Calls for Medicare reform as GP fees exceed rebate for first time in history
As out-of-pocket costs for patients go through the roof, pressure is mounting on the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to address a Medicare system in crisis.
"These are all health issues that we're dealing with," the Prime Minister said on Saturday.
Latest data shows bulk billing rates reached a low of 83 per cent last year, however experts say the true figures are likely even worse.
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Medicare services have reached records lows amid the cost-of-living crisis. iStock
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"We do think that those numbers around 83 per cent are picking and choosing the figures bit," Dr Danielle McMullen from the Australian Medical Association told 9News.
"We do hear from patients that it's more difficult than that."
When patients can find a bulk-billing GP, they're paying $41 on average for a standard 20 minute consultation.
It's a fee that's now overtaken the $39.26 Medicare rebate for the first time in history.
"General practice is in urgent need and we have to stem the bleeding," Dr Nicole Higgins from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners said.
GPs say what's needed is an urgent increase to the rebate.
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When patients can find a bulk-billing GP, they're paying $41 on average for a standard 20 minute consultation. Getty Images/iStockphoto
"The money the patient gets back from government when they see a GP hasn't kept up with the cost of providing that service," Higgins said.
Meanwhile those in the industry warn that the cost of doing nothing, will add more pressure onto hospitals.
"What will happen is people will get sicker, chronic diseases won't be detected," Grattan Insitute's Peter Breadon told 9News.
The Prime Minister says 50 new urgent care clinics for patients with non-life threatening injuries will help ease the burden on the health system.
The first of these is set to open in July but clinic locations are yet to be locked in.
It's left Anthony Albanese facing questions over whether his timeline is on track.
"We're getting it done and there's no hold-up," the PM said.
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