SWEEPING changes to Medicare are set to help more patients get access to bulk-billing GPs.
From November 1, the government tripled bulk-billing incentives payments, while a $1.5 billion indexation boost to Medicare payments also came into effect.
The move, announced in response to falling bulk-billing rates, will give regional GPS an almost-$40 bonus and metropolitan GPs $20.65.
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president Nicole Higgins welcomed the move.
“It is targeted relief that will help GPs bulk-bill more patients who need it – children, pensioners and health-care card holders,” Dr Higgins said.
Labor senator Jana Stewart, who hails from Swan Hill, said the changes would make it easier for Mallee residents to find a bulk-billing doctor.
“Having grown up in regional Victoria, and coming from a family that relied on doctors bulk-billing to get our health needs looked after, I know how important it is for local communities to be able to see a doctor when and where they need it,” Senator Stewart said.
“I’m thrilled that Labor’s investment will improve GP access for 2.8 million Victorians.
“Doctors’ groups have called this a game-changer and GPs have said this will help them maintain and even shift back to bulk billing.”
But Member for Mallee Anne Webster said the government was ignoring the core issue of a lack of GPs in regional areas.
“These incentives, while a good headline, do not make a difference for many in regional Australia who cannot access a GP,” Dr Webster said.
“Tripling the incentive might make for good sound bites for the minister, and slightly improve the economic bottom line for GPs, but it does not bring more doctors to the regions, nor adequately cover the burgeoning costs of running a practice.”
Dr Webster believed regulatory and compliance burdens were contributing to GPs leaving the medical practice, compounded by the Victorian Government’s introduction of a retrospective payroll tax.
“Why would a young medical graduate want to be a GP under the current policy settings?” Dr Webster said
“We need change and that starts with proper investment in primary care – not lip service.”
