Public awareness grows around GP bulk billing concerns

As the Federal Election draws near, GP concerns over the feasibility of proposed bulk-billing incentives were heard by the wider community in the media this week.
 
In February, the major political parties promised to invest $8.5 billion into Medicare, including a bid to inspire ‘nine out of 10 GP visits to be bulk billed by 2030’.
 
Many GPs and the RACGP have raised concerns about this promise, and how realistic the target is since the funding was announced.
 
Those views have now gained wider attention, with reports in mainstream media highlighting GP concerns that doctors will not be able to make the change to bulk billing all patients.
 
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright has been among the vocal advocates.
 
He told newsGP that during a recent Medicare funding webinar, hosted by the college, the majority of attendees expressed that ‘they are unlikely to change their billing practices’, and says it is vital that the wider community is aware.
 
‘It’s good to see that members’ concerns have been picked up by the media,’ Dr Wright said.
 
‘It’s important that patients and funders hear the concerns of RACGP members.
 
‘The college has been telling the Government and stakeholders our concerns about the Medicare proposals, particularly the promise to bulk bill nine out of 10 patients, and how that will be received.
 
‘We’ve been advising stakeholders that while some GPs are positive about the changes, the majority of our members have indicated that they’re unlikely to change their billing – unless it’s in the long-term interests of their patients and the viability of their practice.’
 
The Federal Government plans to achieve this by introducing a new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program from 1 November, under which the eligibility for tripled bulk billing incentives will be expanded and giving practices that bulk bill every patient an extra 12.5% loading payment on Medicare rebates.
 
GPs have raised concerns that the funding does not go far enough to cover the rising costs of delivering quality care.
 
Dr Wright noted that the incentives do not increase with the length of a consultation, failing to acknowledge the workload of longer consultations, including Mental Health Plans, leaving GPs and practices at a potential disadvantage.
 
‘The Government needs to turn its attention to increasing Medicare rebates rather than focusing on incentives,’ he said.
 
‘The college is continuing to advocate for targeted funding for increased rebates for long consultations and mental health consultations, and that fight continues.’
 
If the Government’s proposed policy does come to pass, however, Dr Wright reassures members that they are under no obligation to change their billing practices.
 
‘We continue to stress to Government that you retain your billing autonomy,’ he said.
 
‘Your billing choices remain your own.’
 
A recent report also revealed the high cost of urgent care clinics (UCCs), with the RACGP highlighting that a UCC visit costs taxpayers five times more than a standard GP consult.
 
Dr Wright assured members that this continues to be on the college’s radar.
 
‘We continue to support members who work in (UCCs), but as the recent report revealed, it is an expensive model of care,’ he said.
 
To date, both the Government and the Opposition have committed to funding six of the RACGP’s 19 election asks, including significant workforce initiatives that will support the growth of the GP workforce.
 
Among the initiatives the college is continuing to push are a 40% rebate for all Level C and D consultations and a 25% rebate increase for Mental Health MBS items.
 
While concerns have been raised about the proposed health policies, Dr Wright says it is vital that general practice remains a focus.
 
‘It’s great to see so much discussion about general practice and the bipartisan commitment to major reinvestment in Medicare,’ he said.
 
‘We need to make sure that that funding goes to the people who need it most.’
 
For GPs who want to provide feedback of these or other issues, the college President encouraged members to complete the 2025 Health of the Nation survey.
 
With 96% of members telling the RACGP advocacy is important, members are encouraged to have their say to shape the college’s future advocacy efforts.
 
‘There are still opportunities to let us know what you think, and we are seeking your feedback,’ Dr Wright said.
 
‘It’s important that your concerns continue to inform the national debate.’
 
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