Aussies to pay more than $100 to visit a doctor for a standard non bulk-billed appointment
Australians will be forced to pay more than $100 just to see a doctor, in a further blow to residents already struggling during the cost of living crisis.
From November 1, the majority of Aussies will have to pay the exorbitant price if they want standard doctor appointments that are not bulk billed.
The price increase, which will be the third increase in doctors’ fees this year, follows a recommendation from the Australian Medical Association (AMA).
The AMA proposed the turnout to its members as a way to help physicians cope with the higher costs of running a medical practice.
From November 1, the majority of Aussies will pay more than $100 for standard doctor appointments that are not bulk billed. Photo: Stock image of a woman visiting her doctor
The price increase comes as the government plans to triple the bulk billing incentive for primary care physicians, which will reduce prices for some doctor visits and reduce the cost of some telehealth sessions.
The discount only applies to doctor visits for pensioners, benefit recipients and children under 16 years of age.
In total, it is estimated that only 11 million Australians, out of a total population of 25.7 million, will benefit.
A free service called ‘MyMedicare’, launched earlier this month, allows patients to formally register their preferred clinic and GP and receive discounts on the cost of a telehealth appointment with that doctor.
The voluntary scheme only applies to clinics that have also registered and has restored telehealth discounts for remote GP consultations longer than 20 and 40 minutes.
From 2024, the scheme will provide payments to doctors who regularly visit aged care residents and to patients who regularly visit hospitals registered with MyMedicare.
Costs will vary depending on what specific GPs want to charge, but this means that on average Medicare will cover around half of eligible teleheath consultation costs.
MyMedicare is open to anyone with a Medicare card or a Department of Veterans’ Affairs card, and eligible patients can enroll online or in person at their preferred clinic.
The new service was officially introduced on October 1 and will gradually roll out more benefits over the next three years, according to the government.
The price increase comes as the government plans to triple the bulk billing incentive for primary care physicians, which will reduce prices for some doctor visits and reduce the cost of some telehealth sessions.
Only about 40 percent of GP practices across Australia have registered with MyMedicare.
Health Minister Mark Butler said the changes will provide more tailored care and “better meet the needs of patients who fall through the cracks.”
“Patients enrolled in MyMedicare will receive stronger relationships with their healthcare teams and more consistent care, including longer telehealth consultations,” he said.
‘This important reform will also secure the sustainability and efficiency of general practice for the future.’
From November 1, the Government will also triple the bulk billing incentive for doctors treating vulnerable patients, including children and people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.