Doctors have warned the federal government’s bulk billing scheme set to start in November will do little to address the rising cost of running a clinic.
The scheme will see doctors and practices receive an additional 12.5 per cent payment on top of Medicare rebates if they agree to bulk bill all patients. The government hopes the change will make healthcare more affordable and boost the number of fully bulk billing incentives to 4,800 by 2030.
Unanderra GP Dr Aase Pacey said the incentive is unlikely to create widespread change.
“It will possibly increase the access of care short term. And that’s if practices will find the incentives attractive enough to accept the rigorous terms it comes with,” Dr. Pacey said.
“It is only beneficial for practices who already bulk bill, they will get a higher rate.”
A recent newsGP poll of almost 1400 doctors found 71.6 per cent believe the full loading should be paid directly to GPs, with individual arrangements determining how much goes back to the practice.
However, 23-year-old Wollongong resident Hana Rashid said the change could make it easier for people to get the care they need.
“I think the accessibility around it being more cost effective would allow me to prioritise my health more” Rashid said.
Dr Pacey said the rebate, even with the new incentive, does not match the cost of providing quality medical care.
“The money is simply not covering the cost it requires to offer a service I am satisfied to deliver,” Dr. Pacey said.
The government has set a target for 90 per cent of GP visits to be bulk billed by the end of the decade.
