January 13th 2025.
It seems that Australians are facing more challenges when it comes to accessing bulk billing for their medical needs. According to a recent report by Cleanbill, a healthcare accessibility provider, the majority of GP clinics are no longer offering bulk billing to new patients. This is a significant decline from just a few years ago, when over one-third of clinics provided this service.
The report also found that the average cost for a single visit to the doctor has increased to almost $44, with some clinics charging even higher fees. This rise in out-of-pocket expenses has resulted in over 10% of clinics turning away new patients. While New South Wales still has the highest rate of bulk billing at 34.5%, other states and territories are struggling with much lower rates. In fact, South Australia and the Northern Territory have rates as low as 7.4% and 6.2%, respectively.
The situation is particularly concerning in Tasmania, where the report could not find a single GP clinic offering fully subsidised appointments to new patients. Not only that, but Tasmania also has the highest average out-of-pocket cost for a GP visit in the nation. This paints a worrying picture for the accessibility of healthcare in Australia, according to Cleanbill.
The Royal Australian College of GPs has also expressed alarm at the findings of this report. They believe that urgent funding is needed to improve the availability of bulk billing. With a federal election approaching, they are calling on all political parties to make bold commitments to address this issue.
Dr Michael Wright, President of the RACGP, stresses the importance of investing in Medicare to increase bulk billing and reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients. He also highlights the long-standing underinvestment in GP clinics and the impact this has on patients' health and the healthcare system as a whole. The RACGP is urging the government to take action and make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all Australians.
In light of the upcoming election, Dr. Wright believes that both major political parties should prioritize improving healthcare availability. He states that no one should have to choose between seeing their doctor and paying for necessities. Quality care from a GP who knows a patient's history should be accessible to everyone in Australia. This can only be achieved through investing in Medicare and increasing patient rebates, which will ultimately benefit the entire population and alleviate pressure on the healthcare system. It is time for the government to take action and make a real difference in the lives of Australians.
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