Bulk Billing Rates at Record Highs
Bulk billing rates for GP services are at an equal record high, with 82% of GP services bulk billed in the December quarter.
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19 March 2013
Bulk billing rates for GP services are at an equal record high, with 82% of GP services bulk billed in the December quarter.
Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said the new figures were in stark contrast to when Tony Abbott was health minister when bulk billing rates hit rock bottom at just 67%.
“The Gillard government believes that all Australians should have access to quality and affordable healthcare,” Ms Plibersek said.
“While bulk billing rates can fluctuate, the government is pleased bulk billing rates for GP services have returned to record highs set mid last year.”
The December quarter figures show bulk billing for diagnostic imagining remained at the record high of 74.5%, as does bulk billing for pathology services which is at 88%.
Overall, bulk billing for all Medicare services reached a record high of 77%.
In total, almost $4.9 billion in Medicare benefits was paid for 88 million Medicare services during the quarter.
Further information:
To view the December quarter statistics, visit the Medicare Statistics page.
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