GP bulk billing rates in freefall - patients paying more for health
AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today that the latest GP bulk billing figures released by the HIC confirm that fewer GP consultations are being bulkbilled, which means more patients are paying more to see their doctor.
In the December quarter 2001, the GP bulk billing rate dropped 0.9 per cent over the previous quarter (which recorded an equally dramatic decline of 0.9 per cent). On an annual basis, this translates to almost four million fewer GP consultations that were bulk billed.
Dr Phelps said she expects to see this trend accelerate.
"These figures back up the findings of the AMA GP workforce survey that showed inadequate patient rebates were a major contributor to shortages of doctors in areas of need," Dr Phelps said.
"It is also confirmation that Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) patient rebates are totally inadequate.
"The MBS patient rebate for a standard GP consultation is $24.45 (the patient rebate for non vocationally registered GPs is just $17.85). This is the fee that bulk billing doctors accept. In contrast, the AMA recommended fee for a standard consultation is $48.50. Bulk billing doctors and patients of privately billing doctors are funding that shortfall.
"No wonder bulk billing is in freefall.
"The Government must act to update the MBS if it is serious about Medicare.
"The May Budget provides the new Health Minister with the perfect opportunity to ensure patients, particularly disadvantaged patients, are not bearing the burden of the Medicare shortfall," Dr Phelps said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761