'Determined by your postcode': Where Aussies are paying most for GP visits
A medical expert says it's "shocking" to see the low rates of bulk billing across Australia after a new survey from GP clinics across Australia found just 35 per cent of adult visits are fully subsidised.
The research broke down where Australians are paying the most for doctor visits.
New South Wales has a total bulk-billing rate of 49 per cent, compared to 34.6 per cent for Victoria and 26.5 per cent for Queensland, Nine newspapers have reported.
Residents in Sydney's eastern suburbs and northern beaches are forking out more than $50 every time they visit the GP.
READ MORE: Olympian Vicki Roycroft in hospital after suspected heart attack
But the worst area for it in NSW is Newcastle, where none of the clinics surveyed said they provided bulk-billing.
Western Sydney is comparatively better off, with residents paying less than $30 for a GP visit.
Medical expert Dr Nick Coatsworth said it was a "shocking statistic" that contradicted government claims.
READ MORE: Microplastics found 'in every single water sample' from Antarctica
Dr Nick Coatsworth said the report was "shocking". Today
"This is a problem in Australia at the moment where the access to healthcare can be determined by your postcode," he said.
"We really need to get away from that. It's sort of eroding our universal healthcare system."
He attributed the decline to cost of living pressures.
"If you consider that the Medicare rebate is $40, maybe you can see three patients in an hour if you're efficient," he said.
"That's $120, and 30 per cent has to go to the practice, leaving the general practitioner with $90 per hour before tax, and work to do as a result of the consultations.
"The numbers just don't add up unfortunately, and so those gaps are starting to emerge."
READ MORE: Three jailed over cocaine package delivery scheme in Sydney
The low rate of subsidised GP visits across Australia has been revealed. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Premier Daniel Andrews, in discussing Victoria's state-funded primary health care centres today, lashed the Commonwealth government over Medicare's performance.
"Medicare is broken," he said.
"In the midst of a cost of living crisis, you can't find a free, fast and local doctor."
He said it was "not good enough" for bulk billing rates to be falling.
Tasmania and the ACT are the worst off nationally, with under seven per cent of clinics in both jurisdictions offering bulk-billing.
READ MORE: Family shares moving tribute to paramedic killed during break
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said it was not acceptable for bulk billing rates to be falling. 9News
In other states and territories, South Australia recorded 24.2 per cent, Western Australia 26.6 per cent, and the Northern Territory 20.6 per cent.
The report, from Cleanbill, is set to be forwarded to federal and state MPs, including Health Minister Mark Butler, ahead of this month's National Cabinet meeting.
Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
