Regional clinics sweep in changes to bulk-billing amid rising costs and doctor shortages
- Many regional clinics are changing their practices in bulk billing due to understaffing in Australia.
- Medicare rebate in South Australia is not keeping up with the increasing costs in the sectors, says the majority of the GPs.
- Leanne Wells, chief executive of Consumers Health Forum of Australia, notes the pressure put on the hands of GPs across the country.
- Meanwhile, the federal government acknowledges the staffing issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic and is committed to providing $146 million in initiatives for extra doctors in the regional areas.