Increased financial incentives for GPs to bulk bill
Doctors in regional areas now receive a $7.50 incentive payment for bulk billing concession card holders and children under 16.
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Previous Ministers3 May 2004
ABB049/04
Increased financial incentives for GPs to bulk bill
Doctors in regional areas now receive a $7.50 incentive payment for bulk billing concession card holders and children under 16. Over four years, the $7.50 regional bulkbilling incentive will cost an additional $131.2 million.Every bulk billed GP service provided from 1 May 2004 to concession card holders and children in regional, rural and remote areas, and throughout Tasmania will attract an additional $7.50 rebate. For all other areas the same service will continue to attract an additional $5 rebate.
The increased incentive has been specifically targeted to areas where bulk billing rates are generally low.
In the targeted areas, GPs will now receive $33.20 instead of $25.70 for a bulk billed standard consultation with a concession card holder or child under 16. A typical GP in a regional, rural or remote area, or in Tasmania stands to gain around $20,000 a year through this measure.
GPs remain free to bulk bill anyone they choose, regardless of age or concessional status, but this measure makes it more attractive for GPs to bulk bill.
More information on MedicarePlus is at www.health.gov.au.
For more information call Mr Abbott's office on ph 02 6277 7220.