Doctor clinics abandoning bulk billing in droves

The state’s peak doctors’ body warns bulk billing will soon disappear as payroll tax changes cripple clinics. WHERE YOU CAN STILL FIND IT

Queensland clinics are facing the wrath of sick and angry patients who are demanding bulk-billed services in a healthcare affordability crisis never before seen by community doctors.

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners chair Bruce Willett told The Courier-Mail finding a bulk-billing surgery was increasingly difficult and frustrated patients are calling around multiple surgeries seeking out no-cost treatment.

It comes as the Australian Medical Association warns bulk billing will die completely as changes to GP payroll tax cripple clinics.

“We are aware that most clinics have abandoned bulk billing except for pensioners and children, and with cost-of-living pressure there are people who cannot afford medical care,” Dr Willett said.

“An average appointment will cost a patient $80.

“If the Federal Government does not step in to boost Medicare rebates then we will see people forced to get their health advice from their next-door neighbour or their local pharmacy.”

Dr Willett said when a pensioner was treated for free the rebate from the government was $39.

“The GPs are trying to do the right thing for older people and parents, but when a pensioner goes to the doctor they normally have a list of ailments and their appointment will run extra long. The rebate barely covers costs,” he said.

“I think many patients understand that GPs are struggling to keep their heads above water but some patients do get angry when they are told they would be out of pocket.”

The RACGP is pushing for a tripling of Medicare rebates to allow Queenslanders access to affordable care.

The Medicare rebate freeze was introduced in 2013.

AMAQ president Maria Boulton announced this week that GPs were to be hit with massive payroll tax bills that would push many practices out of business and end bulkbilling.

Dr Boulton said the tax would ultimately be a tax on patients who would have to wear the extra costs.

“GPs are at a tipping point now. The even health care system that has been in place for the last 30 to 40 years is now at risk. The cost of living crisis crossed with the lack of funding into primary care and the doctor shortages in some regions is the final straw,” Dr Willett said.

The RACGP warns that emergency departments would bear the brunt of doctors abandoning bulkbilling.

“Primary care is the foundation that other tiers of the health system are built on. It will all collapse without the proper attention,” he said.

But Acting Commissioner of State Revenue, Amy Rosanowski, denied there had been any changes to the way doctors’ practices are being taxed.

Treasurer Cameron Dick this week also emphatically ruled out a change to how the legislation is being interpreted and enforced.

“There’s been no change to the regime for payroll tax relating to contractors since 2008,” he told reporters on Wednesday.

“This has been a standard practice and standard procedure for the State Revenue Office now for 14 years.”