A calculator that helps general practitioners work out the financial impacts of bulk-billing is the federal government’s latest bid towards more affordable health care.
Announced by Health Minister Mark Butler, the calculator will show GPs how much better off they could be if they adopted a full bulk-billed model.
The Labor government tipped $7.9 billion into its plan to expand bulk-billing and said nine out of 10 GP visits would be bulk-billed by 2030.
From 1 November, clinics that bulk bill every patient will receive a 12.5 per cent payment for each consultation, along with a conditional variable payment depending on the clinic’s remoteness.
The calculator will tailor income estimates based on consultation mix, current billing model, location, and the proportion of patients receiving concessions, the government said.
“Already GP practices around the country have said they will move to a fully bulk-billing practice … doctors and practices are making the shift because they know it is good for patients, and it is good for their bottom line,” Mr Butler said.
“The calculator will help practices and GPs see how mixed billing practices will be better off when they switch to fully bulk-billed.”
Australian Medical Association president Danielle McMullen said additional investment and tools to help practices were always welcomed.
“Without having seen the calculator, we still welcome that ability for better transparency for general practices … we want care to be affordable, but it does also have to be financially sustainable,” she said.
“Tools to make things easier for practices are welcome … having 8000 general practices all having to figure out the finances themselves, if this does streamline things, then that is useful.”
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners also liked the move and said it would keep working with the government on more affordable care measures.
“The college will continue to advocate for increasing Medicare rebates so patients face lower out-of-pocket costs, particularly for longer consultations where time and continuity are essential,” said a spokesperson for RACGP.
“This support must extend to all practices, regardless of whether they take up current incentive programs.”
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