People are paying higher fees to see a GP, despite a surge in healthcare funding that allows for millions more doctor visits, billed in bulk.
The Royal Australian College of GPs Health of the Nation survey found one in four doctors charged more for consultations after the Albanian government increased funding.
But the report card found that patients’ out-of-pocket costs increased to $36.86 on average for a 20-minute consultation in 2024, from $34.91 in 2023, as inflation hits the health sector.
The findings prompted the body representing GPs to urge Labor to rebuild Medicare after “decades of underfunding”.
The bulk billing incentive – paid on top of the standard Medicare benefit – benefited retirees, children and discount cardholders.
RACGP president Nicole Higgins said the funding increase only helped a fraction of the population and called for healthcare to be made affordable for all Australians.
A 20 per cent increase in all discounts for consultations of 20 minutes and longer was needed, along with further increases for rural and remote communities, she said.
“This is an investment in the health of our nation and will make a big difference to the cost of living for Australians,” Higgins said.
“Every year, more than 22 million Australians choose to see a GP for their essential healthcare.
“Nothing can replace the quality care you receive from a GP who knows you and your story, this care must be affordable for everyone.”
Additional Medicare funding has led to more than four million extra bulk-billed GP visits since November, according to Department of Health data.
