Tripled incentive leads to GP bulk billing spike In the year since the incentive was launched, GPs provided 5.4 million extra bulk billed visits, with rates rising in every state and territory.
Medicare watchdog repayments soar by $10m The PSR recouped $32 million from negotiated agreements and determinations last year, often through doctors’ ‘lack of clinical input and poor record keeping’.
Access barriers drive low kids’ vaccination for third year As national child vaccination coverage shows no sign of increase, GP experts renew calls to combat access issues and vaccine inequity.
GPs take a stand for ‘housing first’ in healthcare The RACGP has honed in on policy changes it says are needed to support GPs working with patients experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
‘Troubling increase’ in patients avoiding GP due to cost With a 243% jump in NSW middle and high-income earners now delaying healthcare, the RACGP is calling for urgent intervention.
Bupa launches free telehealth consults The private health insurer now offers free appointments to members, but GP experts are questioning the service, saying ‘nothing is free’.
World Mental Health Day renews calls for support boost The theme of this year’s day is ‘Mental Health at Work’, leading the RACGP to double down on calls for more accessible care options.
New report aims to address critical health worker maldistribution The ‘Working Better for Medicare Review’ made 26 recommendations in a bid to help doctors to work in the areas they are needed most.
Final Review of General Practice Incentives report revealed It recommends a suite of changes which, if accepted, would see GPs’ incentives undergo a major shakeup, including a new payment architecture and a shift in the foundation of general practice.
Health of the Nation: ‘Something every politician should get behind’ Health decisionmakers gathered in Canberra for the launch, as the RACGP says their understanding of general practice is ‘critical’.