Dr Nicole Higgins calls for increase to Medicare rebate to help regional GPs

There are plenty of ideas swirling about on how to ease regional Queensland’s escalating healthcare crisis, but one doctor offers a reform she believes could mean more doctors in the regions.

The health crisis engulfing Mackay is complex and multifaceted, but a resident doctor says there is one thing politicians can do to help: increase the Medicare rebate.

Dr Nicole Higgins made the call as part of a broader ‘election statement’ from the Royal Australian College of GPs.

“This statement outlines a series of reforms, including increases to Medicare rebates, that will enhance the efficiency of Australia’s health system and significantly improve long-term patient health outcomes,” she said.

“Everyone deserves access to high-quality general practice care, no matter their postcode and that includes people in the local area.”

Doctors at bulk billing clinics are paid in rebates from the government, which are determined in turn by the length and complexity of a consult.

For years, the rebate has stayed roughly the same, meaning doctor incomes stagnate even as other costs rise.

The end result is doctor shortages with fewer doctors willing to go into general practice.

Mackay's Dr Nicole Higgins is calling on all parties to increase the Medicare rebate. Picture: Contributed.

Dr Higgins backs a recommendation from the Senate’s Community Affairs References Committee, which calls for the federal government to consider substantially increasing Medicare rebates for all levels of GP consultations.

“That is music to the ears of GPs like me and general practice teams everywhere, it’s something we have been calling for over many years,” she said.

“The federal government should increase Medicare rebates by 10 per cent for Level C consults, which last at least 20 minutes, and Level D GP consults which last at least 40 minutes.

“This will allow us to take the time needed to care for patients in Mackay and the local area with complex needs, such as those with mental health concerns and people with multiple chronic conditions like asthma.

“It’s also time for a new Medicare item for longer consultations lasting more than 60 minutes so that we can take the time to get to the bottom of what is going on.”

The dearth of GP clinics in regional Queensland means some patients opt for hospital care, which can be much more expensive than a GP visit to the taxpayer.

“Greater investment in high quality general practice care will enhance patient health and wellbeing and reduce hospital admissions,” Dr Higgins said.

“It’s simple to do the maths and realise that investing in general practice care makes sense, a non-admitted emergency room presentation is estimated at more than $500 compared to a standard GP consult at just over $39.”

The problem is escalating across the electorates of Dawson and Capricornia.

The expected closure of Queens Beach Medical Centre in August will leave the town of Bowen with just two GP clinics servicing a population of some 11,000.

Whitsunday Regional Council acting Mayor Mike Brunker said Bowen was now facing a “medical crisis” and noted the Queens Beach practice had some 5700 patients on its books.

Whitsunday Regional Council acting Mayor Mike Brunker. Picture: Contributed

The two remaining doctors are also in their 70s and moving towards retirement.

“They’ve served our community with love and care and attention for over 30 years,” the acting mayor said.

Mr Brunker said reforms to the rebate system could attract more doctors to towns like Bowen.

“If a doctor gets a rebate of $45 in the city, they should get $100 in the regions,” he said.

The mining town of Clermont, meanwhile, has struggled to retain doctors to meet demand.

In Mackay, James Cook University hopes to expand medical student placements in a bid to keep doctors in Central and North Queensland.

Originally published as Dr Nicole Higgins calls for increase to Medicare rebate to help regional GPs