New research has found that the number of GP clinics bulk billing patients has fallen over the past two years under Labor and the practice is no longer available in 10 per cent of federal electorates, challenging government data that suggested Australians are paying less to see a doctor.

Online healthcare director Cleanbill on Sunday said a survey of practices in October last year showed there had been a decrease in bulk billing in 131 of the country’s 151 electorates and an increase in out-of-pocket costs in 136 of them.