Dr Himali Jayasekera, General Practitioner and Practice Manager: The Bulk Billing Incentive Program seemed attractive from a welfare point of view for our community at large. Affordable, quality care for all patients without having a financial burden. And it's also making this a viable option for GPs to proceed with the program so they could financially not be worse off for bulk billing. It also eases, I think, the pressure off a doctor in a consult, not to worry about the financial pressures that you may impose on your patients. It also eases the pressure for the patient to talk freely because they'll be constantly worried if not, about finances and how much a consult’s going to cost. So I think overall, from a total practice point of view, it does help the day run a lot smoother.
Murray, Patient: This program makes healthcare more accessible and it should encourage people to come to see their GP, rather than turning up at outpatients at hospitals.
Dr Himali Jayasekera: Participating in this program benefits our community because we've got lots of schools, aged care, nurseries, and we've got a larger older population with young families as well, and we can give affordable, quality care for our patients. For more information, look at the health website [health.gov.au/BBPIP].