RACGP says reliance on bulk billing metric is ‘disappointing’ The Federal Government is facing criticism over claims it has made ‘Medicare stronger’ based on recent GP bulk-billing data.
Significant assignment of benefit reform on the way The RACGP has welcomed legislation to overhaul and streamline the process for bulk billed Medicare services, which is currently ‘stuck in the 1970s’.
RACGP payroll tax fight hits Canberra With some general practices already forced to close their doors, the college has descended on the capital to call for an end to the tax grab.
‘This is the limit’: GPs’ personal plea as tax devastation grows With the payroll tax grab threatening to cripple their small, family-owned practice, a husband and wife duo are urging politicians to ‘be fair, or at least listen’.
‘Funding gets results’: Bulk billing bounces back Patients accessed 950,000 additional subsidised GP visits in the five months since new incentives rolled out, according to government estimates.
GPs forced to turn away Veteran Card holders due to low rebates: RACGP Access to the Coordinated Veterans’ Care program is also reportedly being limited due to eligibility restrictions, complex bureaucratic processes, and a lack of clinician awareness.
Health Minister ‘very worried’ about payroll tax impacts Mark Butler has urged state governments to ‘listen closely’ to GPs and their concerns, or risk undoing bulk-billing and Medicare reforms.
In Practice: Digital health Q&A The RACGP is hosting a forum for GPs to learn more about digital health tools, electronic prescribing, My Health Record, and sharing patient data.
‘I am concerned’: Practices warned about patient memberships A new report suggests at least 98 clinics have instituted subscription or membership programs, despite rules against charging out-of-pocket fees as a prerequisite for bulk billing.
In Practice: Am I billing correctly? An upcoming webinar will cover everything GPs need to know about the recently tripled Medicare bulk billing incentive payments.