GP bulk billing rates dive again - Government must act to protect disadvantaged
AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today that the latest HIC bulk billing figures are further proof that the Government must step in to increase Medicare patient rebates before a visit to the doctor becomes unaffordable for many Australians.
Dr Phelps said GPs can no longer afford to bulk bill all their patients and co-payments are becoming the norm rather than the exception.
"Bulk billing rates have been in sharp decline since mid-2000," Dr Phelps said.
"The June 2002 quarter shows a 0.6 per cent drop to 73.9 per cent of GP visits being bulk billed. Seasonally adjusted, this represents an almost one per cent drop to 73.6 per cent of visits.
"Anecdotal evidence suggests this figure may be an overestimate. There is no doubt that bulk billing will fall further and faster over the next year.
"The Government must step in as a matter of urgency to increase the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) rebate for patients. At the moment it is $24.45 for a standard consultation up to 20 minutes.
"This amount does not reflect the real cost of the doctor providing this level of service.
"Doctors must cover high practice costs including staff and equipment, rent and computers, and these costs more recently have skyrocketed with increasing medical indemnity premiums.
"As a result, patients are being asked to pay more for their medical services because the Government refuses to adequately increase the patient rebate.
"The continuing decline in bulk billing means that the disadvantaged - the poor, the chronically ill, pensioners and young families - are being further disadvantaged.
"It is incumbent on the Government to provide an affordable, accessible, high quality health system for all Australians. Today's figures show clearly that the Government is failing in this regard," Dr Phelps said.
Over the past 12 months, there has been a reduction of more than three million bulk billed GP consultations.
Using the methodology from the joint Government/AMA Relative Value Study (RVS), a standard GP consultation should be at least $50.00.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761