The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Should we aim to bulk-bill everyone for GP visits? We asked 5 experts

  • Written by Ruth McHugh-Dillon, Assistant Health Editor

A new report[1] by a GP listing company made headlines[2] this week showing low rates of bulk billing for GP visits[3] across Australia.

Bulk billing[4] means the consultation is free for the patient and the GP accepts what Medicare covers (the “benefit” or “rebate”) as the full payment.

The highest reported bulk billing rate[5] was in New South Wales (34.5%) and the lowest in the ACT (3.3%) and Tasmania (0%). This caused the Tasmanian health minister to declare bulk billing “dead”[6] in her state.

But does this really mean no Tasmanians are being bulk-billed at the GP?

No – as federal health minister Mark Butler was quick to point out after the report’s release[7], the company asked 6,925 GP clinics only whether they had standard, weekday consultations available to be bulk-billed for adults with no concessions.

A range of people do have concessions – children under 16, pensioners and people with a health care card – meaning the actual bulk-billing rate is much higher, although Butler said he’d like it to be higher still[8].

How high should we be aiming? Many Australians may assume universal health care means it should be free to see a GP, regardless of your age, income or postcode.

So we asked five experts: should we be aiming to bulk-bill everyone?

Four out of five said yes.

Here are their detailed responses.

References

  1. ^ A new report (cleanbill.com.au)
  2. ^ made headlines (www.sbs.com.au)
  3. ^ low rates of bulk billing for GP visits (www.news.com.au)
  4. ^ Bulk billing (www.servicesaustralia.gov.au)
  5. ^ highest reported bulk billing rate (cleanbill.com.au)
  6. ^ declare bulk billing “dead” (www.premier.tas.gov.au)
  7. ^ was quick to point out after the report’s release (www.health.gov.au)
  8. ^ to be higher still (www.health.gov.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/should-we-aim-to-bulk-bill-everyone-for-gp-visits-we-asked-5-experts-247223

The Times Features

What are physician assistants? Can they fix the doctor shortage?

If you’ve tried to get an appointment to see a GP or specialist recently, you will likely have felt the impact of Australia’s doctor shortages[1]. To alleviate workforce sho...

Do men and women agree on how easy it is for each other to find a job or a date?

Typically, you don’t have to write a cover letter before attending a candlelit dinner. But there are some eerie emotional parallels between finding a job and finding a date. ...

Australia’s clinical guidelines shape our health care. Why do so many still ignore sex and gender?

You’ve heard of the gender pay gap. What about the gap in medical care? Cardiovascular diseases – which can lead to heart attack and stroke – are one of the leading causes[1...

Don't Get Burned—Smart Insurance for Your Investment Property

Real estate investment offers lucrative opportunities even though it brings operational risks. Real estate investment protection fundamentally depends on obtaining the correct insu...

Why it’s important to actively choose the music for your mood

Many of us take pleasure in listening to music[1]. Music accompanies important life events and lubricates social encounters. It represents aspects of our existing identity, a...

The Link Between Heart Health and Ageing Well

Millions of Australians are at risk of heart disease, but fewer realise that keeping their heart healthy can also help protect their brain, memory, and cognitive function, redu...

Times Magazine

Improving Website Performance with a Cloud VPS

Websites represent the new mantra of success. One slow website may make escape for visitors along with income too. Therefore it's an extra offer to businesses seeking better performance with more scalability and, thus represents an added attracti...

Why You Should Choose Digital Printing for Your Next Project

In the rapidly evolving world of print media, digital printing has emerged as a cornerstone technology that revolutionises how businesses and creative professionals produce printed materials. Offering unparalleled flexibility, speed, and quality, d...

What to Look for When Booking an Event Space in Melbourne

Define your event needs early to streamline venue selection and ensure a good fit. Choose a well-located, accessible venue with good transport links and parking. Check for key amenities such as catering, AV equipment, and flexible seating. Pla...

How BIM Software is Transforming Architecture and Engineering

Building Information Modeling (BIM) software has become a cornerstone of modern architecture and engineering practices, revolutionizing how professionals design, collaborate, and execute projects. By enabling more efficient workflows and fostering ...

How 32-Inch Computer Monitors Can Increase Your Workflow

With the near-constant usage of technology around the world today, ergonomics have become crucial in business. Moving to 32 inch computer monitors is perhaps one of the best and most valuable improvements you can possibly implement. This-sized moni...

Top Tips for Finding a Great Florist for Your Sydney Wedding

While the choice of wedding venue does much of the heavy lifting when it comes to wowing guests, decorations are certainly not far behind. They can add a bit of personality and flair to the traditional proceedings, as well as enhancing the venue’s ...

LayBy Shopping