Average gap fee for a 20-minute GP appointment this year was $38.86

A survey of more than 3000 GPs found while bulk-billing rates have increased, the gap for patients who are charged out-of-pocket fees has also risen by 5 per cent.

GP out-of-pocket fees have increased again this year, forcing many Australians to pay more for basic health care.

A survey of more than 3000 GPs found while bulk-billing rates have increased, the gap for patients who are charged out-of-pocket fees has also risen by 5 per cent.

The average gap fee for a 20-minute GP appointment this year was $38.86, up from $34.91 the year prior.

At the same time, one in four GPs have began bulk-billing more consultations since the government tripled the incentive – paid on top of the rebate when eligible patients are bulk-billed – in November last year.

Many Australians are being forced to pay more for basic health care. Picture: iStock

The findings, from Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ coming Health of the Nation survey, have reignited their call to boost Medicare funding, including a 20 per cent increase for 20-minute appointment consults.

RACGP president Nicole Higgins said the bulk-billing incentive increase had helped, but more action was needed.

“This is only helping a fraction of our population,” she said.

“More needs to be done to make essential GP care affordable for all Australians.

“Patients’ Medicare rebates have been underfunded for too long and don’t come close to the real costs of providing care.

“The health sector has also been hit by inflation.”

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has repeatedly defended the government’s record when questioned on rising out-of-pocket fees, and last week pointed to the positive rise in bulk-billed appointments.

“Data shows there has been over four million additional bulk-billed visits since (November),” Mr Butler said.

“In just two years the Albanese government has increased Medicare rebates by twice as much as the former government did in nine years.”

Originally published as Average gap fee for a 20-minute GP appointment this year was $38.86