Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ 2024 report shows rising out-of-pocket costs hit vulnerable with chronic, complex and mental illnesses hardest
Out of pocket costs to visit general practitioners are higher than ever, a survey from the peak body for GPs has found, along with the first indications in a long time of a boost in GP workforce numbers.
Dr Nicole Higgins, the college’s president, said rising out of pocket costs hit the most vulnerable, such as those living with chronic complex illnesses who required longer consultations, hardest of all.Part of the rise in longer consultations is due to mental health presentations. The report found 71% of GPs reported mental health as one of their top reasons for booking a patient consult, up from 61% when the report started in 2017.
However, the report also revealed a significant increase in GPs’ concern about their administrative workload – from 60% in 2023 up to 70% in 2024. It was the top reason GPs gave for why they were planning on quitting in the next five years.savings – a sum the commission estimated could be generated annually from a more efficient health data system – could be re-invested in reducing out of pocket costs.
“Bulk billing removes financial barriers that may push patients to delay care or to seek it from an emergency department, which costs the system far more,” he said.
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