Millicent Spencer
Finding a bulk billed GP is becoming increasingly hard for residents in Hume and Whittlesea, new data reveals.
A new report by Cleanbill reveals just 13 of 41 clinics registered in the area offer bulk billing appointments.
In Hume, Broadmeadows and Dallas come out on top with all nine of the area’s clinics offering bulk billing, and in Whittlesea, Wollert’s sole clinic also bulk bills.
The news isn’t so good for those living in Gladstone Park and Tullamarine who can expect to pay $41.80 out of pocket for a standard consultation, above the state’s average of $40.05.
Local doctor and DPV Health medical director Dr Farhan Ulhaq said while all their clinics still bulk bill for healthcare card holders, offering this service is becoming increasingly difficult in today’s economic environment.
“The small increase in Medicare fees in 2022, equated to less than $2 an hour average increase for the most common item numbers used by GP’s, however recent inflation figures
sit at over 6 per cent,” he said.
“The last major increase in Medicare payments was in 2013 and the average salaries of healthcare staff have increased annually since 2013.
“Practices are needing to look at how to remain viable in the face of the rising staff costs, cost of equipment, consumables and cover utilities.”
General manager of primary care at DPV Health’s Broadmeadows clinic, Kylie Rhook, said clients often have complex needs and require more time with a doctor.
“When you look at the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) item numbers, the most lucrative way to bill in Medicare is to see a very short consult,” she said.
“So giving somebody the time that they need to discuss their mental health problems, their physical health problems, or comorbidities means that then you’re taking less income.”
Ms Rhook said the majority of clients seen at the Broadmeadows clinics are healthcare card holders, and with only a limited number of bulk billing practices in the area, existing DPV Health clients are seeing longer wait times.
“It’s getting harder and harder to find a bulk billing clinic [and] we’re constantly seeing new clients coming in all the time,” she said.
“Sometimes our new clients are saying that they’ve run around multiple clinics, and they’ve been refused [because] they’ve been told that they won’t take on new clients.
“We don’t say new no to new clients, which is making it harder for our clients to get appointments because more people are coming.”
