“Providing accessible health care is a critical role for government, and to that end I welcome the Government’s boost to the bulk billing incentive. But, recent claims that the boost has led to a ‘surge’ in bulk billing GPs in Tassie is at best overegged, at worst downright dishonest.
“No wonder the RACGP tells me they’re not anticipating anything like a ‘surge’ in bulk billing in Tasmania, especially in the cities, where the rebates and extra incentives fall well short of what’s needed.
“And why GPs themselves tell me the only way to make bulk billing viable is to see more patients in less time; which is especially concerning for Tasmanians, given our ageing population, high levels of chronic disease and poor mental health. These are not consultations that can be sped up.
“My office took the Government’s advice to search the Health Direct website for a Hobart area bulk billing doctor, and found just one non urgent care clinic that accepts new patients. In other words all this talk about only needing a Medicare card to see a doctor is just more political spin.
“Of course I welcome the Government’s focus on strengthening primary care. But I don’t support it’s parsimonious approach, because we’re a rich country and can afford to do better. It’s all about priorities.”