Fed: Patients paid more for GP visits in June quarter

AAP General News (Australia)
08-30-2001
Fed: Patients paid more for GP visits in June quarter

CANBERRA, Aug 30 AAP - Patients paid more for a visit to their local GP in the three
months to June, figures released today showed.

The latest Medicare statistics show the average cost of a visit to the doctor rose
to $17.43 (after the Medicare rebate) in the June quarter, from $17.22 in the March quarter
and $16.23 a year ago.

Opposition health spokeswoman Jenny Macklin said the figures also showed the number
of bulk-billed GP visits fell half a per cent in the three-month period.

"Since the Howard government was elected in March 1996 the rate of GP bulk billing
has fallen to 77 per cent from 80.6 per cent," Ms Macklin said.

"The proportion of bulk billing has also dropped for specialist services, obstetrics,
anaesthetics, diagnostic imaging and surgery."

However, Health Minister Michael Wooldridge said the figures showed Medicare bulk billing
was at record levels, with more than three quarters of GP services bulk billed.

Direct-billed services dropped to 71.3 per cent in the June quarter from 71.9 per cent.

For direct-billed services, the fee charged is equal to the benefit.

AAP eg/wjf/sb

KEYWORD: MEDICARE

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