GPs’ payroll tax plight hits Prime Minister’s inbox The RACGP has penned an urgent letter directly to Anthony Albanese, saying new bulk-billing incentives are a ‘false economy’ if the tax grab is not scrapped.
Government’s key Medicare Budget measures kick in The tripling of the bulk-billing incentive announced in May’s Budget now begins, along with a raft of further changes.
Changes to the MBS from 1 November The penultimate month of 2023 will usher in a suite of changes, including indexation, bulk-billing incentives, and Level E item updates.
Out-of-pocket costs linked to decline in GP services GP attendances in the first six months of 2023 were 9.1% lower than the same period last year, according to a new AIHW report.
More paperwork would drive 94% to private billing: Poll The newsGP survey results follow a move by Services Australia to introduce extra bureaucracy for bulk billed telehealth.
Minister moves to reassure GPs after ‘archaic’ telehealth change Mark Butler has told the RACGP he will update telehealth bulk billing consent rules and that there are ‘no plans to pursue … punitive actions on this issue’.
GPs again listed among Australia’s most ethical But those who do not offer bulk billing for medical appointments are seen as ‘unethical’, according to a new report.
RACGP again urges Victoria to scrap payroll tax grab There could be an exodus of GPs, the college has warned, as pressure mounts on the Government to follow the lead of other states.
Should bulk billing be tied to payroll tax exemptions? GPs have criticised an ACT Government plan to provide temporary payroll tax relief – but only to clinics that bulk bill 65% of patients.
Yearly bulk billing rates plummet Practices are being forced to pass on their costs to patients, as owners worry about skyrocketing bills and the looming spectre of payroll tax.