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Australians are finding it harder and harder to access bulk billing and are paying more for a trip to the doctor.
Those are the findings of a new report which the nation's peak body for general practitioners says should lead to urgent funding for Australia's GP system.
The 2025 Blue Report by healthcare accessibility provider Cleanbill found that little more than a fifth of all GP clinics offer bulk billing to new patients, down from about a quarter the year before and more than 35 per cent in 2023.
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It also found the average Australian is now paying almost $44 for a single trip to see their doctor, up from about $40 two years ago, and that more than 10 per cent of clinics are no longer taking on new patients.
While New South Wales has the highest level of bulk billing in the country at 34.5 per cent, the picture is far bleaker in other states and territories.
The bulk billing rate is languishing at just 7.4 per cent in South Australia, 6.2 per cent in South Australia, and the report couldn't find a single GP clinic in Tasmania offering fully subsidised appointments to new patients.
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The Apple Isle also has the highest average out-of-pocket cost for a GP visit in the nation at $54.26, followed by the ACT at $51.84, while South Australia's $41.61 is the cheapest.
The trends… paint a concerning picture for healthcare accessibility in Australia," the Cleanbill report states.
"While the decline in bulk billing has slowed, rates have continued to slide, with almost 80% of available Australian GP clinics no longer offering bulk billing to adult patients.
"And the remaining bulk billing clinics are largely concentrated in New South Wales, meaning that states like Western Australia now have one available bulk billing clinic for every 46,639 adults…
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"In these circumstances, it's easy to see why over 1.5 million Australians didn't go to see a GP in 2023-24 because of concerns surrounding cost; up 25 per cent from 2022-23.
"This should not be happening."
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) said the report shows the need for urgent funding to boost bulk billing availability.
"With a federal election fast approaching, we should be seeing bold commitments from all political parties to achieve this
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"With proper investment in Medicare we can increase bulk billing and reduce out-of-pocket costs for people who aren't being bulk billed. Both of these things are crucial," RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said.
"GP clinics are under pressure after decades of underinvestment and the Medicare freeze…
"When people can't see their GP or delay care due to costs, their heath gets worse and they are more likely to end up in hospitals.
"That's bad for their health, and costs taxpayers more."
Wright said that, with a federal election due before June, both major political parties should make "bold" commitments to improve healthcare availability.
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"Nobody should have to choose between seeing their GP and paying for other life essentials," he said.
"There's no substitute for the quality care you get from a GP who knows you and your history – it needs to be affordable and accessible for everyone in Australia.
"This means the government needs to invest in Medicare and increase patient rebates…
"This will make a real difference for patients and communities across the country. It will improve the health and wellbeing of our population, and take pressure off our hospitals and entire health system."
