Bulk-billed GP visits rise following introduction of incentives for doctors, data shows

Doctors’ groups say improved bulk billing rate is ‘encouraging’ but more investment in health system is needed

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The federal government’s bulk billing changes have helped more Australians see a GP, but peak doctors’ groups say the reforms are only a “down payment” on what they want to see in next month’s budget to help reduce healthcare costs.

New data from the health minister, Mark Butler, released overnight, shows 77.7% of all visits to general practitioners were bulk billed in March, a 2.1% rise since the Albanese government’s moves last November to triple incentives for doctors to take bulk billed appointments.

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