The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is calling for increased funding to ensure affordable access to General Practitioners (GPs) as operational costs continue to rise. AMA President Dr. Danielle McMullen highlighted that the Medicare freeze has caused patient rebates for general practice care to significantly lag behind the actual costs of providing such care, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses for patients. A recent Cleanbill report claimed a 15 percentage point decline in national bulk billing rates over the past two years, along with a 7 percent increase in out-of-pocket costs since 2023. However, Health Minister Mark Butler disputes this, citing data showing an increase in bulk billing rates due to a tripling of GP bulk billing incentives.
Dr. McMullen acknowledged that Cleanbill’s report does not present a complete picture, as it only measures practices that fully bulk bill every patient. She also recognized the federal government’s $6 billion investment in primary care in the 2023 budget, which has helped slow the decline in bulk billing rates. Despite this investment, Dr. McMullen emphasizes the need for further reform and additional investment. She underscores the escalating costs faced by GPs, which include wages, insurance, and rent, and stresses the need for more government support to maintain affordable patient care. This support is crucial for funding longer consultations and making workforce investments.
The AMA continues to advocate for sustained efforts to ensure enhanced access and affordability in the healthcare system. The narrative is characterized by a range of perspectives, especially concerning the ongoing debate between official data and independent reports. Nevertheless, the overarching trend remains clear: general practices are under significant financial strain and require continued reform and investment to ensure that affordable healthcare remains accessible to all. The dialogue surrounding these issues highlights the complexities of healthcare funding and the urgent need for coordinated action to address the financial challenges faced by GPs.
