Many of us understand the importance of accessible healthcare, especially as we age and require frequent medical attention.

However, the affordability of seeing a general practitioner (GP) has become increasingly difficult, with out-of-pocket expenses reaching new heights due to a decade-long freeze on Medicare rebates.

According to a study by healthcare monitors Cleanbill, the national average for out-of-pocket costs to see a GP has climbed to $41.69, marking a rise of over three per cent in 2023 alone.

This financial strain is compounded by the alarming revelation that there has been an 11 per cent decrease in the number of clinics offering bulk billing services compared to the previous year.

The number of clinics that offer bulk billing services has decreased in the past year. Image source: Drazen Zigic on Freepik.

Bulk billing, a system where the doctor bills Medicare directly and accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment for the service, has traditionally been a cornerstone of affordable healthcare in Australia.

However, this situation is straining certain regions when it comes to the availability of healthcare services.

For instance, less than one per cent of clinics in Tasmania are offering bulk billing, with the ACT not faring much better at 3.4 per cent.

NSW, despite having the highest rate in the nation, only sees 37.2 per cent of clinics providing this service.

The Royal Australian College of GPs President, Dr Nicole Higgins, has voiced her concern, stating that the decline in bulk billing is a clear indicator that more must be done to make healthcare affordable for all Australians.

'While the government’s tripling of bulk billing incentives has helped more GPs bulk bill specific groups, including children, pensioners and healthcare card holders, more needs to be done to ensure care is affordable for the rest of the population,' Dr Higgins claimed.

'This situation is a direct result of the 10-year freeze on patient Medicare rebates.'

Dr Higgins emphasised the cost-effectiveness of GP care, noting that a 20-minute consultation costs around $40, whereas a hospital visit can exceed $600, with costs skyrocketing if a patient requires admission.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has acknowledged the difficulty patients face in finding a bulk-billing GP and assured that efforts are being made to improve the situation.

'We are working as fast as we can, with as many resources as we can, to try and turn that situation around,' he said.

'I don’t think anybody anticipates when you make a big investment (in Medicare) the full impact is not felt on day one, it’s felt over time.'

The federal government, aware of the challenges, has pledged to open 58 urgent care clinics across the country to alleviate some of the pressure. However, due to staff shortages, only a third are operating at full capacity.

Opposition health spokesperson Anne Ruston has also expressed alarm at the drop in bulk billing rates, highlighting the financial burden it places on families and the consequent strain on the hospital system.

'This is a seriously concerning trend that Australians just cannot afford,' Ms Ruston said.

'Not only is it pushing up out-of-pocket expenses for families, but we also know that a weakened primary care system only increases the pressure on our over-burdened hospitals.'

Key Takeaways

• The number of GPs offering bulk billing has dropped by 11 per cent, and out-of-pocket expenses have reached a new high, with an average cost of $41.69 to see a GP.
  
• Tasmania has less than one per cent of clinics offering bulk billing, and there is significant variation in bulk billing rates across the states and territories.
  
• The Royal Australian College of GPs President pointed out that the decline in bulk billing is due to a decade-long freeze on Medicare patient rebates and emphasised the need for affordable GP care.
  
• The federal government is working to address the issue and has pledged to open 58 urgent care clinics, but staffing shortages have so far limited their operation.
  

Members, are you impacted by this? Share your experience with us, and let us know your thoughts on this story in the comments below!

 

[kaybe]

Many of us understand the importance of accessible healthcare, especially as we age and require frequent medical attention.

However, the affordability of seeing a general practitioner (GP) has become increasingly difficult, with out-of-pocket expenses reaching new heights due to a decade-long freeze on Medicare rebates.

According to a study by healthcare monitors Cleanbill, the national average for out-of-pocket costs to see a GP has climbed to $41.69, marking a rise of over three per cent in 2023 alone.

This financial strain is compounded by the alarming revelation that there has been an 11 per cent decrease in the number of clinics offering bulk billing services compared to the previous year.

View attachment 38879

The number of clinics that offer bulk billing services has decreased in the past year. Image source: Drazen Zigic on Freepik.

Bulk billing, a system where the doctor bills Medicare directly and accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment for the service, has traditionally been a cornerstone of affordable healthcare in Australia.

However, this situation is straining certain regions when it comes to the availability of healthcare services.

For instance, less than one per cent of clinics in Tasmania are offering bulk billing, with the ACT not faring much better at 3.4 per cent.

NSW, despite having the highest rate in the nation, only sees 37.2 per cent of clinics providing this service.

The Royal Australian College of GPs President, Dr Nicole Higgins, has voiced her concern, stating that the decline in bulk billing is a clear indicator that more must be done to make healthcare affordable for all Australians.

'While the government’s tripling of bulk billing incentives has helped more GPs bulk bill specific groups, including children, pensioners and healthcare card holders, more needs to be done to ensure care is affordable for the rest of the population,' Dr Higgins claimed.

'This situation is a direct result of the 10-year freeze on patient Medicare rebates.'

Dr Higgins emphasised the cost-effectiveness of GP care, noting that a 20-minute consultation costs around $40, whereas a hospital visit can exceed $600, with costs skyrocketing if a patient requires admission.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has acknowledged the difficulty patients face in finding a bulk-billing GP and assured that efforts are being made to improve the situation.

'We are working as fast as we can, with as many resources as we can, to try and turn that situation around,' he said.

'I don’t think anybody anticipates when you make a big investment (in Medicare) the full impact is not felt on day one, it’s felt over time.'

The federal government, aware of the challenges, has pledged to open 58 urgent care clinics across the country to alleviate some of the pressure. However, due to staff shortages, only a third are operating at full capacity.

Opposition health spokesperson Anne Ruston has also expressed alarm at the drop in bulk billing rates, highlighting the financial burden it places on families and the consequent strain on the hospital system.

'This is a seriously concerning trend that Australians just cannot afford,' Ms Ruston said.

'Not only is it pushing up out-of-pocket expenses for families, but we also know that a weakened primary care system only increases the pressure on our over-burdened hospitals.'

Key Takeaways

• The number of GPs offering bulk billing has dropped by 11 per cent, and out-of-pocket expenses have reached a new high, with an average cost of $41.69 to see a GP.
• Tasmania has less than one per cent of clinics offering bulk billing, and there is significant variation in bulk billing rates across the states and territories.
• The Royal Australian College of GPs President pointed out that the decline in bulk billing is due to a decade-long freeze on Medicare patient rebates and emphasised the need for affordable GP care.
• The federal government is working to address the issue and has pledged to open 58 urgent care clinics, but staffing shortages have so far limited their operation.

Members, are you impacted by this? Share your experience with us, and let us know your thoughts on this story in the comments below!

 

[kaybe]

I am an aged Pensioner, living in Tasmania and my Pension is my only income. I cannot get Bulk Billing now where I live and I have just been seeing a Nurse Practitioner. Luckily my friends who I mind their pets for, pay to fly my return fare to Melbourne and I have a Bulk Billing Dr there. I can't keep this up forever though as I am nearly 80 years old.

 

[Shane/#]

Many of us understand the importance of accessible healthcare, especially as we age and require frequent medical attention.

However, the affordability of seeing a general practitioner (GP) has become increasingly difficult, with out-of-pocket expenses reaching new heights due to a decade-long freeze on Medicare rebates.

According to a study by healthcare monitors Cleanbill, the national average for out-of-pocket costs to see a GP has climbed to $41.69, marking a rise of over three per cent in 2023 alone.

This financial strain is compounded by the alarming revelation that there has been an 11 per cent decrease in the number of clinics offering bulk billing services compared to the previous year.

View attachment 38879

The number of clinics that offer bulk billing services has decreased in the past year. Image source: Drazen Zigic on Freepik.

Bulk billing, a system where the doctor bills Medicare directly and accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment for the service, has traditionally been a cornerstone of affordable healthcare in Australia.

However, this situation is straining certain regions when it comes to the availability of healthcare services.

For instance, less than one per cent of clinics in Tasmania are offering bulk billing, with the ACT not faring much better at 3.4 per cent.

NSW, despite having the highest rate in the nation, only sees 37.2 per cent of clinics providing this service.

The Royal Australian College of GPs President, Dr Nicole Higgins, has voiced her concern, stating that the decline in bulk billing is a clear indicator that more must be done to make healthcare affordable for all Australians.

'While the government’s tripling of bulk billing incentives has helped more GPs bulk bill specific groups, including children, pensioners and healthcare card holders, more needs to be done to ensure care is affordable for the rest of the population,' Dr Higgins claimed.

'This situation is a direct result of the 10-year freeze on patient Medicare rebates.'

Dr Higgins emphasised the cost-effectiveness of GP care, noting that a 20-minute consultation costs around $40, whereas a hospital visit can exceed $600, with costs skyrocketing if a patient requires admission.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has acknowledged the difficulty patients face in finding a bulk-billing GP and assured that efforts are being made to improve the situation.

'We are working as fast as we can, with as many resources as we can, to try and turn that situation around,' he said.

'I don’t think anybody anticipates when you make a big investment (in Medicare) the full impact is not felt on day one, it’s felt over time.'

The federal government, aware of the challenges, has pledged to open 58 urgent care clinics across the country to alleviate some of the pressure. However, due to staff shortages, only a third are operating at full capacity.

Opposition health spokesperson Anne Ruston has also expressed alarm at the drop in bulk billing rates, highlighting the financial burden it places on families and the consequent strain on the hospital system.

'This is a seriously concerning trend that Australians just cannot afford,' Ms Ruston said.

'Not only is it pushing up out-of-pocket expenses for families, but we also know that a weakened primary care system only increases the pressure on our over-burdened hospitals.'

Key Takeaways

• The number of GPs offering bulk billing has dropped by 11 per cent, and out-of-pocket expenses have reached a new high, with an average cost of $41.69 to see a GP.
• Tasmania has less than one per cent of clinics offering bulk billing, and there is significant variation in bulk billing rates across the states and territories.
• The Royal Australian College of GPs President pointed out that the decline in bulk billing is due to a decade-long freeze on Medicare patient rebates and emphasised the need for affordable GP care.
• The federal government is working to address the issue and has pledged to open 58 urgent care clinics, but staffing shortages have so far limited their operation.

Members, are you impacted by this? Share your experience with us, and let us know your thoughts on this story in the comments below!

Amazing the opposition are complaining about out of pocket expenses since they were the one's that froze Medicare and pumped millions if mot billion's into private health insurance/care Labor implement Medicare for all Australians rich and poor and the Liberal government's continued to short fund it so they could push an American system here if you can afford private health insurance you were treated if no down to the public service Australia the lucky country not anymore with the Liberal government selling anything it can get it's hands on for multinational companies

 

[lonelyasacloud]

Where people can’t get bulk billing services they clog up A&E departments

 

[ShezzieD]

Amazing the opposition are complaining about out of pocket expenses since they were the one's that froze Medicare and pumped millions if mot billion's into private health insurance/care Labor implement Medicare for all Australians rich and poor and the Liberal government's continued to short fund it so they could push an American system here if you can afford private health insurance you were treated if no down to the public service Australia the lucky country not anymore with the Liberal government selling anything it can get it's hands on for multinational companies

Australia being called the lucky country was originally a sarcastic, tongue in cheek term. I totally agree with you regarding the politics here.

 

[ShezzieD]

"Dr Higgins emphasised the cost-effectiveness of GP care, noting that a 20-minute consultation costs around $40, whereas a hospital visit can exceed $600, with costs skyrocketing if a patient requires admission."

In our medical practice, the doctors charge $90 for a standard consultation and upwards of $155 for a 20 minute consultation! Medicare rebates are less than %50 of those fees, as the doctors charge well above the schedule. And nobody is bulk-billed! Concession card holders may be offered a slight discount only. We can't move to a bulk-billing medical practice as there are only a few in our city, and they aren't taking new patients. Australia should be doing better when it comes to healthcare. And don't get me started on private health insurance

 

[Jarred Santos]

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[Abby2]

Many of us understand the importance of accessible healthcare, especially as we age and require frequent medical attention.

However, the affordability of seeing a general practitioner (GP) has become increasingly difficult, with out-of-pocket expenses reaching new heights due to a decade-long freeze on Medicare rebates.

According to a study by healthcare monitors Cleanbill, the national average for out-of-pocket costs to see a GP has climbed to $41.69, marking a rise of over three per cent in 2023 alone.

This financial strain is compounded by the alarming revelation that there has been an 11 per cent decrease in the number of clinics offering bulk billing services compared to the previous year.

View attachment 38879

The number of clinics that offer bulk billing services has decreased in the past year. Image source: Drazen Zigic on Freepik.

Bulk billing, a system where the doctor bills Medicare directly and accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment for the service, has traditionally been a cornerstone of affordable healthcare in Australia.

However, this situation is straining certain regions when it comes to the availability of healthcare services.

For instance, less than one per cent of clinics in Tasmania are offering bulk billing, with the ACT not faring much better at 3.4 per cent.

NSW, despite having the highest rate in the nation, only sees 37.2 per cent of clinics providing this service.

The Royal Australian College of GPs President, Dr Nicole Higgins, has voiced her concern, stating that the decline in bulk billing is a clear indicator that more must be done to make healthcare affordable for all Australians.

'While the government’s tripling of bulk billing incentives has helped more GPs bulk bill specific groups, including children, pensioners and healthcare card holders, more needs to be done to ensure care is affordable for the rest of the population,' Dr Higgins claimed.

'This situation is a direct result of the 10-year freeze on patient Medicare rebates.'

Dr Higgins emphasised the cost-effectiveness of GP care, noting that a 20-minute consultation costs around $40, whereas a hospital visit can exceed $600, with costs skyrocketing if a patient requires admission.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has acknowledged the difficulty patients face in finding a bulk-billing GP and assured that efforts are being made to improve the situation.

'We are working as fast as we can, with as many resources as we can, to try and turn that situation around,' he said.

'I don’t think anybody anticipates when you make a big investment (in Medicare) the full impact is not felt on day one, it’s felt over time.'

The federal government, aware of the challenges, has pledged to open 58 urgent care clinics across the country to alleviate some of the pressure. However, due to staff shortages, only a third are operating at full capacity.

Opposition health spokesperson Anne Ruston has also expressed alarm at the drop in bulk billing rates, highlighting the financial burden it places on families and the consequent strain on the hospital system.

'This is a seriously concerning trend that Australians just cannot afford,' Ms Ruston said.

'Not only is it pushing up out-of-pocket expenses for families, but we also know that a weakened primary care system only increases the pressure on our over-burdened hospitals.'

Key Takeaways

• The number of GPs offering bulk billing has dropped by 11 per cent, and out-of-pocket expenses have reached a new high, with an average cost of $41.69 to see a GP.
• Tasmania has less than one per cent of clinics offering bulk billing, and there is significant variation in bulk billing rates across the states and territories.
• The Royal Australian College of GPs President pointed out that the decline in bulk billing is due to a decade-long freeze on Medicare patient rebates and emphasised the need for affordable GP care.
• The federal government is working to address the issue and has pledged to open 58 urgent care clinics, but staffing shortages have so far limited their operation.

Members, are you impacted by this? Share your experience with us, and let us know your thoughts on this story in the comments below!

"20-minute consultation costs around $40"
- In our neck of the woods it is $180 per 20 minute consultation - the government does give you some pittence back.
Also you have to wait for an fortnight for an appointment. If you are ill you are advised to go to a public hospital which is an hour drive away.

 

[Jest]

Many of us understand the importance of accessible healthcare, especially as we age and require frequent medical attention.

However, the affordability of seeing a general practitioner (GP) has become increasingly difficult, with out-of-pocket expenses reaching new heights due to a decade-long freeze on Medicare rebates.

According to a study by healthcare monitors Cleanbill, the national average for out-of-pocket costs to see a GP has climbed to $41.69, marking a rise of over three per cent in 2023 alone.

This financial strain is compounded by the alarming revelation that there has been an 11 per cent decrease in the number of clinics offering bulk billing services compared to the previous year.

View attachment 38879

The number of clinics that offer bulk billing services has decreased in the past year. Image source: Drazen Zigic on Freepik.

Bulk billing, a system where the doctor bills Medicare directly and accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment for the service, has traditionally been a cornerstone of affordable healthcare in Australia.

However, this situation is straining certain regions when it comes to the availability of healthcare services.

For instance, less than one per cent of clinics in Tasmania are offering bulk billing, with the ACT not faring much better at 3.4 per cent.

NSW, despite having the highest rate in the nation, only sees 37.2 per cent of clinics providing this service.

The Royal Australian College of GPs President, Dr Nicole Higgins, has voiced her concern, stating that the decline in bulk billing is a clear indicator that more must be done to make healthcare affordable for all Australians.

'While the government’s tripling of bulk billing incentives has helped more GPs bulk bill specific groups, including children, pensioners and healthcare card holders, more needs to be done to ensure care is affordable for the rest of the population,' Dr Higgins claimed.

'This situation is a direct result of the 10-year freeze on patient Medicare rebates.'

Dr Higgins emphasised the cost-effectiveness of GP care, noting that a 20-minute consultation costs around $40, whereas a hospital visit can exceed $600, with costs skyrocketing if a patient requires admission.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has acknowledged the difficulty patients face in finding a bulk-billing GP and assured that efforts are being made to improve the situation.

'We are working as fast as we can, with as many resources as we can, to try and turn that situation around,' he said.

'I don’t think anybody anticipates when you make a big investment (in Medicare) the full impact is not felt on day one, it’s felt over time.'

The federal government, aware of the challenges, has pledged to open 58 urgent care clinics across the country to alleviate some of the pressure. However, due to staff shortages, only a third are operating at full capacity.

Opposition health spokesperson Anne Ruston has also expressed alarm at the drop in bulk billing rates, highlighting the financial burden it places on families and the consequent strain on the hospital system.

'This is a seriously concerning trend that Australians just cannot afford,' Ms Ruston said.

'Not only is it pushing up out-of-pocket expenses for families, but we also know that a weakened primary care system only increases the pressure on our over-burdened hospitals.'

Key Takeaways

• The number of GPs offering bulk billing has dropped by 11 per cent, and out-of-pocket expenses have reached a new high, with an average cost of $41.69 to see a GP.
• Tasmania has less than one per cent of clinics offering bulk billing, and there is significant variation in bulk billing rates across the states and territories.
• The Royal Australian College of GPs President pointed out that the decline in bulk billing is due to a decade-long freeze on Medicare patient rebates and emphasised the need for affordable GP care.
• The federal government is working to address the issue and has pledged to open 58 urgent care clinics, but staffing shortages have so far limited their operation.

Members, are you impacted by this? Share your experience with us, and let us know your thoughts on this story in the comments below!

looking at the photo shown of doctor and patient, she will not have to pay anything. AGE.

 

[Penny4]

It all changed for GP's after covid lockdown. They would have lost income, as patients weren't allowed to visit a GP in person. So, now they are passing all their lost income/costs to their patients.

 

[Clancieblue]

I am an aged Pensioner, living in Tasmania and my Pension is my only income. I cannot get Bulk Billing now where I live and I have just been seeing a Nurse Practitioner. Luckily my friends who I mind their pets for, pay to fly my return fare to Melbourne and I have a Bulk Billing Dr there. I can't keep this up forever though as I am nearly 80 years old.

You should have a bulk billing clinic in Devenport and Launceston and 2 more in Hobart.
Don't know where you live but I just found 4 bulk billing doctors in a quick search. You shouldn't have to fly to Melbourne.

 

[Wandiwa]

Can some-one explain this comment that often pops up ....
While the government’s tripling of bulk billing incentives has helped more GPs bulk bill specific groups, including children, pensioners and healthcare card holders,
Does anyone know what the incentive was, and what it is now?

 

[Wandiwa]

You should have a bulk billing clinic in Devenport and Launceston and 2 more in Hobart.
Don't know where you live but I just found 4 bulk billing doctors in a quick search. You shouldn't have to fly to Melbourne.

@Clancieblue .... can you post where you searched to display these results. Thanks.

 

[Clancieblue]

@Clancieblue .... can you post where you searched to display these results. Thanks.

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=b181bfb7fd127b3bJmltdHM9MTcwNDc1ODQwMCZpZ3VpZD0wNDYwMjQ5Ni1lY2UwLTYzODItMmMwNS0yODEwZWQ2OTYyZmImaW5zaWQ9NTIyMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=3&fclid=04602496-ece0-6382-2c05-2810ed6962fb&psq=bulk+billing+doctors+tasmania&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9oZWFsdGhlbmdpbmUuY29tLmF1L2ZpbmQvYnVsay1iaWxsaW5nLWdwL1RBUw&ntb=1

 

[Clancieblue]

Can some-one explain this comment that often pops up ....
While the government’s tripling of bulk billing incentives has helped more GPs bulk bill specific groups, including children, pensioners and healthcare card holders,
Does anyone know what the incentive was, and what it is now?

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=3832216c6fa9562bJmltdHM9MTcwNDg0NDgwMCZpZ3VpZD0wNDYwMjQ5Ni1lY2UwLTYzODItMmMwNS0yODEwZWQ2OTYyZmImaW5zaWQ9NTI1OA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=3&fclid=04602496-ece0-6382-2c05-2810ed6962fb&psq=what+ere+the+governments+bulk+billing+incetives&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc21oLmNvbS5hdS9wb2xpdGljcy9mZWRlcmFsL2hvdy10aGUtbmV3LW1lZGljYXJlLWJ1bGstYmlsbGluZy1pbmNlbnRpdmVzLXdpbGwtd29yay0yMDIzMDUwNC1wNWQ1bDUuaHRtbA&ntb=1

 

[Cheezil]

Many of us understand the importance of accessible healthcare, especially as we age and require frequent medical attention.

However, the affordability of seeing a general practitioner (GP) has become increasingly difficult, with out-of-pocket expenses reaching new heights due to a decade-long freeze on Medicare rebates.

According to a study by healthcare monitors Cleanbill, the national average for out-of-pocket costs to see a GP has climbed to $41.69, marking a rise of over three per cent in 2023 alone.

This financial strain is compounded by the alarming revelation that there has been an 11 per cent decrease in the number of clinics offering bulk billing services compared to the previous year.

View attachment 38879

The number of clinics that offer bulk billing services has decreased in the past year. Image source: Drazen Zigic on Freepik.

Bulk billing, a system where the doctor bills Medicare directly and accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment for the service, has traditionally been a cornerstone of affordable healthcare in Australia.

However, this situation is straining certain regions when it comes to the availability of healthcare services.

For instance, less than one per cent of clinics in Tasmania are offering bulk billing, with the ACT not faring much better at 3.4 per cent.

NSW, despite having the highest rate in the nation, only sees 37.2 per cent of clinics providing this service.

The Royal Australian College of GPs President, Dr Nicole Higgins, has voiced her concern, stating that the decline in bulk billing is a clear indicator that more must be done to make healthcare affordable for all Australians.

'While the government’s tripling of bulk billing incentives has helped more GPs bulk bill specific groups, including children, pensioners and healthcare card holders, more needs to be done to ensure care is affordable for the rest of the population,' Dr Higgins claimed.

'This situation is a direct result of the 10-year freeze on patient Medicare rebates.'

Dr Higgins emphasised the cost-effectiveness of GP care, noting that a 20-minute consultation costs around $40, whereas a hospital visit can exceed $600, with costs skyrocketing if a patient requires admission.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has acknowledged the difficulty patients face in finding a bulk-billing GP and assured that efforts are being made to improve the situation.

'We are working as fast as we can, with as many resources as we can, to try and turn that situation around,' he said.

'I don’t think anybody anticipates when you make a big investment (in Medicare) the full impact is not felt on day one, it’s felt over time.'

The federal government, aware of the challenges, has pledged to open 58 urgent care clinics across the country to alleviate some of the pressure. However, due to staff shortages, only a third are operating at full capacity.

Opposition health spokesperson Anne Ruston has also expressed alarm at the drop in bulk billing rates, highlighting the financial burden it places on families and the consequent strain on the hospital system.

'This is a seriously concerning trend that Australians just cannot afford,' Ms Ruston said.

'Not only is it pushing up out-of-pocket expenses for families, but we also know that a weakened primary care system only increases the pressure on our over-burdened hospitals.'

Key Takeaways

• The number of GPs offering bulk billing has dropped by 11 per cent, and out-of-pocket expenses have reached a new high, with an average cost of $41.69 to see a GP.
• Tasmania has less than one per cent of clinics offering bulk billing, and there is significant variation in bulk billing rates across the states and territories.
• The Royal Australian College of GPs President pointed out that the decline in bulk billing is due to a decade-long freeze on Medicare patient rebates and emphasised the need for affordable GP care.
• The federal government is working to address the issue and has pledged to open 58 urgent care clinics, but staffing shortages have so far limited their operation.

Members, are you impacted by this? Share your experience with us, and let us know your thoughts on this story in the comments belowslugged the double medicare levy for

Many of us understand the importance of accessible healthcare, especially as we age and require frequent medical attention.

However, the affordability of seeing a general practitioner (GP) has become increasingly difficult, with out-of-pocket expenses reaching new heights due to a decade-long freeze on Medicare rebates.

According to a study by healthcare monitors Cleanbill, the national average for out-of-pocket costs to see a GP has climbed to $41.69, marking a rise of over three per cent in 2023 alone.

This financial strain is compounded by the alarming revelation that there has been an 11 per cent decrease in the number of clinics offering bulk billing services compared to the previous year.

View attachment 38879

The number of clinics that offer bulk billing services has decreased in the past year. Image source: Drazen Zigic on Freepik.

Bulk billing, a system where the doctor bills Medicare directly and accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment for the service, has traditionally been a cornerstone of affordable healthcare in Australia.

However, this situation is straining certain regions when it comes to the availability of healthcare services.

For instance, less than one per cent of clinics in Tasmania are offering bulk billing, with the ACT not faring much better at 3.4 per cent.

NSW, despite having the highest rate in the nation, only sees 37.2 per cent of clinics providing this service.

The Royal Australian College of GPs President, Dr Nicole Higgins, has voiced her concern, stating that the decline in bulk billing is a clear indicator that more must be done to make healthcare affordable for all Australians.

'While the government’s tripling of bulk billing incentives has helped more GPs bulk bill specific groups, including children, pensioners and healthcare card holders, more needs to be done to ensure care is affordable for the rest of the population,' Dr Higgins claimed.

'This situation is a direct result of the 10-year freeze on patient Medicare rebates.'

Dr Higgins emphasised the cost-effectiveness of GP care, noting that a 20-minute consultation costs around $40, whereas a hospital visit can exceed $600, with costs skyrocketing if a patient requires admission.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has acknowledged the difficulty patients face in finding a bulk-billing GP and assured that efforts are being made to improve the situation.

'We are working as fast as we can, with as many resources as we can, to try and turn that situation around,' he said.

'I don’t think anybody anticipates when you make a big investment (in Medicare) the full impact is not felt on day one, it’s felt over time.'

The federal government, aware of the challenges, has pledged to open 58 urgent care clinics across the country to alleviate some of the pressure. However, due to staff shortages, only a third are operating at full capacity.

Opposition health spokesperson Anne Ruston has also expressed alarm at the drop in bulk billing rates, highlighting the financial burden it places on families and the consequent strain on the hospital system.

'This is a seriously concerning trend that Australians just cannot afford,' Ms Ruston said.

'Not only is it pushing up out-of-pocket expenses for families, but we also know that a weakened primary care system only increases the pressure on our over-burdened hospitals.'

Key Takeaways

• The number of GPs offering bulk billing has dropped by 11 per cent, and out-of-pocket expenses have reached a new high, with an average cost of $41.69 to see a GP.
• Tasmania has less than one per cent of clinics offering bulk billing, and there is significant variation in bulk billing rates across the states and territories.
• The Royal Australian College of GPs President pointed out that the decline in bulk billing is due to a decade-long freeze on Medicare patient rebates and emphasised the need for affordable GP care.
• The federal government is working to address the issue and has pledged to open 58 urgent care clinics, but staffing shortages have so far limited their operation.

Members, are you impacted by this? Share your experience with us, and let us know your thoughts on this story in the comments below!

Paid the double medicare levy via the tax system for a couple decades & rarely needed medial attention/doc visits. Now a low income earner & struggle to find a doc who'll bulk bill. What's the point paying taxes if you get stuff all in return for it these times

 

[POG]

Many of us understand the importance of accessible healthcare, especially as we age and require frequent medical attention.

However, the affordability of seeing a general practitioner (GP) has become increasingly difficult, with out-of-pocket expenses reaching new heights due to a decade-long freeze on Medicare rebates.

According to a study by healthcare monitors Cleanbill, the national average for out-of-pocket costs to see a GP has climbed to $41.69, marking a rise of over three per cent in 2023 alone.

This financial strain is compounded by the alarming revelation that there has been an 11 per cent decrease in the number of clinics offering bulk billing services compared to the previous year.

View attachment 38879

The number of clinics that offer bulk billing services has decreased in the past year. Image source: Drazen Zigic on Freepik.

Bulk billing, a system where the doctor bills Medicare directly and accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment for the service, has traditionally been a cornerstone of affordable healthcare in Australia.

However, this situation is straining certain regions when it comes to the availability of healthcare services.

For instance, less than one per cent of clinics in Tasmania are offering bulk billing, with the ACT not faring much better at 3.4 per cent.

NSW, despite having the highest rate in the nation, only sees 37.2 per cent of clinics providing this service.

The Royal Australian College of GPs President, Dr Nicole Higgins, has voiced her concern, stating that the decline in bulk billing is a clear indicator that more must be done to make healthcare affordable for all Australians.

'While the government’s tripling of bulk billing incentives has helped more GPs bulk bill specific groups, including children, pensioners and healthcare card holders, more needs to be done to ensure care is affordable for the rest of the population,' Dr Higgins claimed.

'This situation is a direct result of the 10-year freeze on patient Medicare rebates.'

Dr Higgins emphasised the cost-effectiveness of GP care, noting that a 20-minute consultation costs around $40, whereas a hospital visit can exceed $600, with costs skyrocketing if a patient requires admission.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has acknowledged the difficulty patients face in finding a bulk-billing GP and assured that efforts are being made to improve the situation.

'We are working as fast as we can, with as many resources as we can, to try and turn that situation around,' he said.

'I don’t think anybody anticipates when you make a big investment (in Medicare) the full impact is not felt on day one, it’s felt over time.'

The federal government, aware of the challenges, has pledged to open 58 urgent care clinics across the country to alleviate some of the pressure. However, due to staff shortages, only a third are operating at full capacity.

Opposition health spokesperson Anne Ruston has also expressed alarm at the drop in bulk billing rates, highlighting the financial burden it places on families and the consequent strain on the hospital system.

'This is a seriously concerning trend that Australians just cannot afford,' Ms Ruston said.

'Not only is it pushing up out-of-pocket expenses for families, but we also know that a weakened primary care system only increases the pressure on our over-burdened hospitals.'

Key Takeaways

• The number of GPs offering bulk billing has dropped by 11 per cent, and out-of-pocket expenses have reached a new high, with an average cost of $41.69 to see a GP.
• Tasmania has less than one per cent of clinics offering bulk billing, and there is significant variation in bulk billing rates across the states and territories.
• The Royal Australian College of GPs President pointed out that the decline in bulk billing is due to a decade-long freeze on Medicare patient rebates and emphasised the need for affordable GP care.
• The federal government is working to address the issue and has pledged to open 58 urgent care clinics, but staffing shortages have so far limited their operation.

Members, are you impacted by this? Share your experience with us, and let us know your thoughts on this story in the comments below!

If you cut out most of the "perks" politicians are currently getting, and for those politicians who are given for life after they retire, we would have better National Health Care.

 

[Cheezil]

If you cut out most of the "perks" politicians are currently getting, and for those politicians who are given for life after they retire, we would have better National Health Care.

Yes! Agree!