Australia is facing a concerning trend in its healthcare system, with the cost of visiting a general practitioner (GP) steadily rising and a notable decline in bulk-billing practices. This is placing significant financial strain on many Australians, particularly those in rural and disadvantaged communities.
According to a recent report, the average out-of-pocket expense for a GP visit has risen by 4.1% nationally over the past year, reaching $43.38. Some jurisdictions are seeing even higher costs, with Tasmania reporting an average out-of-pocket expense of $54.26.
These figures reflect a growing affordability crisis that is making basic healthcare inaccessible for many.
Bulk billing, which allows patients to pay nothing out of pocket, is also in decline. Only 20.7% of GP clinics nationwide now offer bulk billing to all patients, a drop from 24.2% in 2024.
This decline means fewer Australians can access free GP consultations, pushing more people to delay or forego necessary care due to cost.
The root of the problem lies in the funding model for general practice. Experts, including Grattan Institute health program director Peter Breadon, argue that the current system rewards speed over quality and fails to adequately address the complex needs of patients.
“GPs need more flexible funding that accounts for the increased care required by patients with greater health needs or disadvantages,” Breadon said. Without such changes, the affordability crisis is likely to deepen, particularly in rural areas already grappling with GP shortages.
The federal government has taken steps to address these issues. In 2023, it tripled the bulk-billing incentive for GPs, resulting in an additional 5.8 million bulk-billed visits over the following year.
However, while bulk-billing rates for GP services have risen slightly, critics argue that these figures do not reflect the availability of bulk billing for all patients.
Health Minister Mark Butler acknowledged the ongoing challenges, stating, “There’s more to do to strengthen Medicare and ensure affordability for all Australians.”
The impact of rising costs and declining bulk billing goes beyond numbers. Many Australians are delaying or avoiding necessary care, potentially worsening their health outcomes.
A recent survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that 8.8% of Australians cited cost as their main reason for not seeing a GP when needed, up from 7% the previous year.
The majority of my GP visits are 7 minutes or less & telehealth even more brief.
Who else gets $500 an hour, generally for advice that requires return visits.
Living on a pension means nothing to these predators – the elderly are fair game.