The federal government has disputed the findings of a new report warning the cost of visiting a GP is on the rise. The annual survey of health clinics found a decline in the number letting patients use Medicare to cover expenses up front. But the Health Minister says increased government funding has actually boosted bulk billing rates.
The federal government has disputed the findings of a new report warning the cost of visiting a GP is on the rise.The GP knows times are tough for many patients right now and he's says he's keeping the option of bulk-billing open to them so they're not left out of pocket.
But Dr Michael Wright, president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners says the findings of a new report suggest there are signs GPs are becoming less willing to cover these expenses up front. The snapshot, published by healthcare directory Cleanbill, looked specifically at clinics that offer bulk-billing to new adult patients, who don't hold a concession entitlement and are wanting a standard consultation.Based on that survey criteria, only New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland had clinic bulk billing rates above 10%... while Tasmania had none.
But Health Minister Mark Butler says he believes the figures aren't representative of the full picture.
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