Bulk billing in CRIS IS!

WE EXAMINE WHY YOUR NEXT VISIT TO THE DOCTOR COULD COST MORE THAN EVER

- April Rose

 

Access to primary healthcare could become out of reach for millions of Australians if rising gap fees in bulk-billing rebates aren't addressed, experts warn.

Recent statistics revealed less than half of the clinics in Australia's capital cities are still offering bulk-billed care, with the average cost of a 20-minute consult now around $41 as more and more GPs look to ditch the old model in favour of out-of-pocket billing.

GPs around the countr have long held concerns over the rising costs of patient care, with Medicare barely reimbursing enough to cover expenses. The amount Medicare refunds GPs for bulk-billed services has remained largely the same for the past decade.

This has forced many practices to scrap bulk billing altogether - impacting loyal patients who have seen the same doctor for years.