Health accessibility directory Cleanbill reports that almost 65 per cent of GPs have stopped bulk billing patients in a 'deeply concerning' finding which raises more questions about the affordability of healthcare.
New South Wales was the only state or territory outperforming the national average, with 49 per cent of clinics offering bulk bills to patients, while the Australian Capitol Territory and Tasmania were the worst performing.
The report found there were"limited" options for residents across the country, raising concerns about the ongoing affordability of healthcare across Australia. Alongside the decline in bulk billing, the report highlights"enormous variances" in the out-of-pocket costs for everyday Australians in different electorates.
The out-of-pocket costs come on top of the existing Medicare rebate of $39.75 for a standard consultation."In these circumstances, it's easy to see why hundreds of thousands of Australians per year delay or forgo care with a GP in their community because of concerns surrounding cost," they said.Speaking to Sky News Australia, former deputy chief medical officer Dr Nick Coatsworth said"gaps" were beginning to emerge in Australia's primary healthcare system.
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