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<docID>330018</docID>
<postdate>2024-09-30 10:55:39</postdate>
<headline>GP visit costs rise despite increase in health funding</headline>
<body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-330019" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20150121001090055066-original-resized.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="588" /></p>
<caption>Despite a Medicare funding boost, inflation has increased the cost of a GP visit. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)</caption>
<p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Tess Ikonomou</strong> in Canberra</span></p>
<p><strong>Patients are forking out more money to see the GP despite incentive payments for bulk billing being tripled.</strong></p>
<p>The Royal Australian College of GPs Health of the Nation survey found one in four doctors are bulk billing more consults after the Albanese government increased funding.</p>
<p>But the report card reveals patients' out-of-pockets costs rose to $36.86 on average for a 20-minute consult in 2024, up from $34.91 in 2023 as inflation hits the health sector.</p>
<p>The findings have prompted the body representing GPs to urge Labor to rebuild Medicare after "decades of underfunding".</p>
<p>The bulk-billing incentive â€“ paid on top of the standard Medicare benefit â€“ has benefited pensioners, children and concession card holders.</p>
<p>RACGP President Nicole Higgins said the increased funding was only helping a fraction of the population and called for healthcare to be made affordable for all Australians.</p>
<p>A 20 per cent increase to all rebates for 20-minute and longer consults were needed, as well as extra increases for rural and remote communities, she said.</p>
<p>"This is an investment in the health of our nation and will make a big difference with cost of living for Australians," Dr Higgins said.</p>
<p>"Every year, more than 22 million Australians choose to see a GP for their essential health care.</p>
<p>"There is no substitute for the quality care you get from a GP who knows you and your history, this care needs to be affordable for everyone."</p>
<p>The additional Medicare funding has meant more than four million additional bulk-billed visits to the GP have taken place since November, according to health department data.</p>
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