Two local practices have stopped bulk billing some months ago. Is this the trend now? The changes mean that the GPs have given themselves an effective 50% pay hike. Are they doing it tough on $500K per year?
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"No friend ever served me, and no enemy ever wronged me, whom I have not repaid in full."
Why from all of the occupations, trades or professions does the humble GP get singled out and accused of profiteering?
There is the university education plus seven years of intensive training and internship, at own expence.
To maintain a "Medical Practice" the Doctor/s must obtain firstly a suitable premise, this must then be furnished with seating for the patients, gurney/bed, associated cleaning sterilising equipment, medical diagnostic equipment/s, computer/software, stores of disposable gloves, gowns, bandages, syringes, potions and pills, etc.
They then require to employ a receptionist, nurse practitioner, etc.
Latest Statistics; Across all Medicare services, the bulk billing rate reached 81 per cent, an increase of 4.5 percentage points since 2012-13. A total of 377.2 million medical services were bulk billed to Medicare in 2020-21, 34.1 million more than in the previous year.
The other side of the coin;
Plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers, serve a paid apprenticeship for 3-4 years, spend $1,000 on tools then charge $100/200 per hour + Call out fee $150.
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Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
A 6 minute consultation costs $40 with $20 rebate. Last year the practice received $20, this year they get $40. Patient's out-of-pocket cost = $20.
A 20 minute consultation costs $60 with $41 rebate. Last year the practice received $41, this year they get $60. Patient's out-of-pocket cost = $19.
A doubt very much that the practice's costs have risen by 50%, yet that's the increase that the patient has to bear. Will the receptionist also be receiving a 50% pay hike?
BTW, the costs are structured so that a 20 minute consultation costs less to the patient than a 6 minute consultation. We all know where that's heading ...
-- Edited by dorian on Friday 10th of March 2023 07:14:07 AM
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"No friend ever served me, and no enemy ever wronged me, whom I have not repaid in full."
Wife's GP announce he is no long allowed to bulk bill at last visit. He is part of a large practice, there seems to be two Indians for every Chief there, lots of walking around, don't even carry the clip board anymore. But rebate has only gone up about $4 in 10 years or so.
(Everything at supermarket seems to be 12-20% up. )
