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Bulk Billing Rates Continue to Drop

A second consecutive quarterly drop in bulk billing rates by general practitioners has confirmed the AMA's warnings that the current Medicare schedule is no longer sustainable.

GP attendances that were bulk billed fell from 78.3 per cent (Sept 2000 quarter) to 77.6 per cent (Dec 2000 quarter) - their lowest rate in seven years. During the month of December alone they dropped to 77.2 per cent.*

AMA Federal President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, predicted bulk billing would drop to its lowest level in 10 years if the Government failed to increase patient rebates.

"This is further proof that GPs can no longer prop up Medicare - they can't afford to," Dr Phelps said.

"Labor has committed itself to prioritising health funding for the election. The Democrats have agreed with calls for additional funding for Medicare... Where is Dr Wooldridge?"

Dr Phelps said key results had now been compiled from a five-year study into overhauling medical fees in Australia - the Relative Value Study (RVS) - jointly funded by the Federal Government and the AMA.

"There must be provision in this year's Federal Budget to honour the Government's previously stated support for the aims of this study - to create a fair and reasonable schedule of medical fees for the entire Australian community.

"In round figures it's a commitment of an additional $1.5 billion a year - a one-third increase in current Federal funding for Medicare.

"This is the catch-up that's now long overdue - to bring the national schedule of fees in line with the real costs of providing medical treatment," she said.

Dr Phelps said the Government had to move quickly to implement the study's findings to maintain any credibility on Medicare.

* Figures compiled by the Health Insurance Commission

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