Recent survey reveals electorates without bulk billing GPs

Australians cherish the healthcare system, with Medicare at its heart, promising accessible and affordable medical care for all. However, a recent survey has unveiled a concerning trend that may leave many questioning the reach of this promise.

Online healthcare directory Cleanbill’s third annual Blue Report, which surveyed 6,925 general practices in October 2024, paints a stark picture of the healthcare landscape across the nation. 

The report, released in January, indicates that four out of five GPs now charge a gap fee for new adult patients who don’t hold a concession card. This gap fee represents the difference between the Medicare rebate and the doctor’s charge, leaving patients to pay the remainder out-of-pocket. 

It also shows that an alarming 10 per cent of federal electorates lack any general practitioners (GPs) offering bulk billing for standard consultations to adult patients without a concession card.

Cleanbill’s rigorous data collection process, as described by founder James Gillespie, involves contacting general practices to confirm their operational status, inquire about their bulk billing policies, and verify the fees charged for services not covered by bulk billing. This information is then cross-checked against the clinics’ websites to ensure accuracy and consistency.

The survey’s findings are particularly troubling for residents in 15 electorates where no bulk billing options for adult patients could be found. These include:

• Bass, Braddon, Clark, Franklin, and Lyons in Tasmania,
• Boothby, Kingston, and Mayo in South Australia,
• Brisbane and Fairfax in Queensland,
• Jagajaga in Victoria,
• Lyne, Newcastle, and Shortland in New South Wales, and
• Swan in Western Australia.

This is a significant increase from the four electorates identified in Cleanbill’s first report in 2023. On the flip side, there are still 12 electorates where bulk billing rates exceed 50 per cent, with nine of these located in Western Sydney.

However, the overall trend is disheartening, with 86.7 per cent of electorates experiencing a decline in bulk billing clinics, averaging a 13.7 per cent drop over two years. The electorate of Burt in Western Australia saw the most dramatic decrease, plummeting from a 61 per cent bulk billing rate to a mere 6.5 per cent.

Despite these declines, there are glimmers of hope, such as in the electorate of Gilmore in New South Wales, which saw the number of bulk billing clinics rise from 10.9 per cent to 23.5 per cent. Similarly, the electorate of Chifley in New South Wales enjoyed a significant reduction in average out-of-pocket costs, dropping from $50.25 to $22.92.

Dr Christopher Harrison from the Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics at the University of Sydney points out that the government’s incentives introduced in 2023, which increased payments to GPs for bulk billing children and concession cardholders, may explain the discrepancy between the overall rise in bulk billing rates and the difficulty non-concession card adults face in finding bulk billing GPs.

‘These two results are not contradictory… These data do highlight a growing issue within our healthcare system. A sustainable way to incentivise GPs to bulk bill this patient group needs to be found,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Mark Butler highlighted the government’s record investment in Medicare, which has led to an increase in bulk billing rates nationwide, offering an additional 5.8 million free GP visits in just over a year.

Yet, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the peak body for general practitioners stress that more needs to be done to ensure affordable access to GPs for all Australians, especially with a federal election on the horizon.

‘The Productivity Commission’s authoritative report on government services tells a much clearer story—commonwealth spending per person on general practice has declined since 2018/19, and more patients are delaying GP visits due to cost,’ said Dr Danielle McMullen of AMA.

The Cleanbill report serves as a wake-up call, revealing that while some progress has been made, significant gaps in our healthcare system remain. 

We at YourLifeChoices understand the importance of accessible healthcare, especially for those over 50 who may be more reliant on medical services. We encourage our readers to stay informed about the healthcare options available in their electorates and to advocate for improvements where necessary.

Have you experienced difficulties in finding a bulk billing GP, or have you noticed changes in the cost of healthcare services in your area? Share your experiences in the comments below and join the conversation on how we can work towards a more equitable healthcare system for all.

Also read: Data shows steep decline in NT bulk-billing, sparking concerns for impacts on hospital system