Results of the AMA member survey on GP consultation items and bulk billing incentives
A recent survey of AMA GP members found they overwhelmingly back a substantial remodelling of GP consultation items and rebates to preserve practice viability and affordable patient access to primary care. Respondents also supported a large increase to bulk billing incentive item rebates to support vulnerable patients and address growing concerns about practice viability.
Background
As a result of the AMA’s Modernise Medicare campaign, launched before the 2022 federal election, the Albanese Government promised a $1 billion dollar investment in general practice focused on implementation of the Primary Health Care 10 year plan, and long-term reform.
While the AMA welcomed this funding and worked with the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce to establish priorities for allocating this investment, we made it clear that $1 billion is not enough to ensure patients have access to the quality GP care they need, or for general practices to remain financially viable following years of frozen and/or inadequately indexed Medicare rebates.
Accordingly, between 9 February and 10 March 2023, the AMA surveyed its GP members to ascertain their views on bulk billing incentive items and options for reform of MBS GP consultation items.
With an ageing population and increasing chronic disease prevalence, there has been an increase in complexity of Level B consultations. We sought member views on how the current MBS consultation item schedule allows them to care for their patients, and options for reform.
Results
The survey received an overwhelming 840 responses, giving the AMA confidence that it properly captured the views of members around the country.
Before members completed the survey, they were asked to read and consider this article on the AMA website, which set out the detail and rationale for the GP consultation item remodelling options.
It can be seen from the results of the survey below that GPs across Australia overwhelmingly support a review of GP consultation MBS items. There was also strong support for an increase to the bulk billing incentive items. The AMA used these results in our pre-budget advocacy.
Free comments provided in the survey also raised other issues for AMA advocacy including the need to simplify chronic disease management arrangements, disparity in rebates for mental health care versus physical health conditions, funding for rural health care delivery, and the current bias in the MBS towards funding shorter consultations.
Results in action
The results of this survey, which the AMA took to the Minister for Health, certainly influenced outcomes for general practice in the 2023–24 federal budget, with significant additional funding announced, including $3.5b to triple the bulk billing incentive for a number of commonly used GP items.
Read more about what the budget delivered for Medicare and general practice
Read more about what the budget delivered for Medicare and general practice
The government has also foreshadowed a review of GP consultation items, acknowledging concerns with the current item structure. The AMA will be strongly engaged in this process, pushing for changes that enhance patient access, fund quality care and support the continued viability of general practice.
