Dr Rita Singh, General Practitioner: The Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program means a lot to me as a doctor. Better patient health care, looking after the patients who actually cannot afford to come and see a doctor for their consultations, and basically for me, the bulk billing program gives me a good incentive. So I think it works both ways. The first incentive payment came through end of December and it really made me feel that whatever I have given to the patients, the government is giving it back to me. It works for me. I have been in this practice since 2004. The patient-doctor relationship has definitely increased after I started this incentive program.
Aisha Mclean, Receptionist: It’s been affecting a lot of people’s lives in a good way, actually, and I’m really proud that our practice is bulk billing.
Dr Rita Singh: The patients are very happy and they’re getting their families and their cousins and everybody to come in, and we’re giving a good quality of care.
Deb Barnes, Registered Nurse: We’re seeing more people and I’ve got more satisfaction in my job that I can do what I’ve always loved. It’s caring for people.
Dr Rita Singh: It’s been such a smooth transition and I think financially we are definitely better off. So I think it’ll be a good idea for GPs to start the Bulk Billing [Practice] Incentive Program so that the patients are coming back, looking after their health, and it’s worked very good for me, and I’m very happy with it, yes.
For more information, visit the website [health.gov.au/BBPIP].