How to Get a GP Doctor to Bulk Bill You?

LStephanie360 on 02/05/2018 - 07:15
Last edited 02/05/2018 - 11:42 by 1 other user

Doctors in Australia are so expensive when it should be free. In Europe healthcare is free - we just walk into a specialist doctors clinic and will be seen or get an appointment, no need for referral from a GP. No need to pay.

Here doctors get money from government and still ask you to pay. I have to pay $70 to just see a GP. How do you get your GP doctor to bulk bill you? I have tried the following which have worked:

  • tell them how long you waited and it would not be fair to charge
  • say “just a quick one” and tell them what you need like a script or certificate.
  • usually they won’t charge just for a script, so say you just want a script then talk about what you need to see them for

However without trying the above and I just ask them if they will bulk bill me up they will say no. It is stupid here. So ridiculous.

Healthcare should be free. Share your strategies on how to be bulk billed. I am still trying to get specialists to bulk bulk. We need to help each other.

Health & Beauty

Comments

        • ninetyNineCents on 05/05/2018 - 22:46

          @tshow:

          You are going to compare draining puss with brains/hip/etc surgery ?

          Im pretty sure even insurance companies dont charge the same insurance for GP "surgery" as compared to operating theatre with multiple nurses, anaesthesia etc

        • [Deactivated] on 05/05/2018 - 23:43

          @ninetyNineCents:
          You said any operation. I pointed out GPs do operate (perform surgery).

          Let's not move the goal post.

        • ninetyNineCents on 06/05/2018 - 15:46

          @tshow:

          TS: You said any operation. I pointed out GPs do operate (perform surgery).

          Let's not move the goal post.

          99: Im not, you know every well the spirit of the discussion, that claiming to do surgery without mentioning it was draining puss is not honest. You were trying to pretend that you do equivalent work as the workd done in operating theatres. YOu delibrately used the word "surgery" because if you used "puss draining" your statement would be a joke.

        • [Deactivated] on 06/05/2018 - 18:26

          @ninetyNineCents:
          If the spirit of the discussion is making unsubstantiated claims, asking what car I drive, and making false claims then trying to qualify it by breaking definition, you're obviously very much in the spirit.

          I don't care to join you in that "spirit".

        • Halc on 06/05/2018 - 23:44

          @ninetyNineCents:
          do you even have any idea what any of the procedures tshow mentioned means? i guess not because you fixated on draining puss as that's probably as much as you understand

  • frondono on 02/05/2018 - 08:40
    +5

    https://healthengine.com.au/

    find the closest one to you that bulk bills. a lot of the newer ones popping up bulk bill.

  • lollyball on 02/05/2018 - 08:49
    +3

    my gp is self employed/ not employee, so i assume most if not all are. So therefore he chooses to bulk bill patients. But it is at his discretion. As i know other Gp's in the clinic do not bulk bill. So to conclude, why would some1 make $20 per patient, under bulk billing for example, when they can make $100 per patient!?!?! so dont blame the health professionals, blame the government which allows this.
    find a doc/specialist that bulk bills, good luck

    • [Deactivated] on 02/05/2018 - 08:57
      +19

      GPs didn't spend a decade in training just so the government can dictate their worth.

        • [Deactivated] on 02/05/2018 - 09:21
          +7

          It shouldn't matter what it's about. It is up to the individual, not a "government" or popular opinion.

          Popular opinion would be for everything that a given individual isn't invested in to be free.

          People who build houses should be free.

          People who run public transport should be free.

          This will just make everyone not work because they'd likely end up working for free.

        • accessdenied on 02/05/2018 - 13:38
          +2

          This is how they earn their livelihood. Stop being a snob and find the right practice that will bulkbill for you. They have to feed their family too. Doctors earn from their practice. They do not get paid by the government. Govt only pays the doctors that work at Govt hospitals.

        • Tech5 on 02/05/2018 - 15:00
          +3

          Being a GP is just another job, only this one has a title. To a degree, all jobs are about money, unless you can live off hopes and dreams? Sure doctors are about helping people, but that does not mean they should not be paid well for it.

        • pf2 on 02/05/2018 - 15:17
          +3

          Sounds like you think vets should be free too. "They should do it out of the goodness of their hearts! Don't they want to save these patients/animals!?"

          Many doctors get into the profession because of the money and prestige. If they are not paid well then do you really think there are enough people who are kind and smart enough to go through what they go through?

        • Georgevic on 02/05/2018 - 16:29

          That's not true, bulk billing GPs are paid 100% of bulk billed consultations by the government.

          http://www.mydr.com.au/first-aid-self-care/australian-health…

        • WishIHadAfridge on 02/05/2018 - 17:26

          Lol. They train to get paid. Let's be real.

        • kingmw on 02/05/2018 - 19:28
          +2

          Rip off will depend on whether you think the service provided was worth the money.

          If the service is worth $70 then why do you think it should be bulk-billed (<50% of the value)?

          You could say this about any profession, lawyers should be be ripping off defendants/criminals, plumbers should not be ripping off people who don't know how to fix their pipes etc.

      • Hardlyworkin on 02/05/2018 - 09:15
        +2

        Agreed, I hang out with med students a bit. There is no way I could put myself through what they do. If they somehow manage to make it out the other side then they deserve to be paid very well.

        If you can't afford to pay then there are plenty of websites that list bulk billing practices. If the OP managed to write this rant then you can probably figure it out.

      • ninetyNineCents on 05/05/2018 - 17:40

        Tshow: GPs didn't spend a decade in training just so the government can dictate their worth.

        99: THen goto america or charge you worth in australia.

        There are a lot of workers who dont earn the same as doctors, and are just as important in our life, eg plumbers, garbos, police, ambos, nurses, teachers. Many of them ahave their value dictated by the gov, but sometimes you just need to stop being greedy and do your duty and be happy to help.

        • [Deactivated] on 05/05/2018 - 18:31

          Why should I have to go to America?

          I'm perfectly happy working and providing a fee based service here.

          I don't care how much other private service providers get paid. Their importance is irrelevant to me.

          I always do my duty, often above and beyond. I never charge a single cent more than I quote.

        • ninetyNineCents on 06/05/2018 - 15:48
          -1

          @tshow:

          TS:
          I'm perfectly happy working and providing a fee based service here.

          99: Then dont complain about the australian way. Be happy with what you have and stop whinging. There are a lot of people who have it much harder than yourself, when doctors who are already well off ask for more money, that means those same ordinary people have to pay more tax which they probably will struggle to afford.

        • [Deactivated] on 06/05/2018 - 18:29

          @ninetyNineCents:
          What's the Australian way? When did I whinge about my pay?

          How hard do I work?

          The topic of this discussion is that doctors should work for free. It's not a request for a payrise.

          Care to substantiate anything?

          (Also, if you're going to sidestep and ask about my car, I've already answered.)

    • Georgevic on 02/05/2018 - 16:24

      It's about $38 for 20 minutes bulk billing, and they get paid the same even if the appointment only goes for 5 minutes. I think a GP would have a lot of trouble finding clients if they charged $100 for 20 minutes..

      • [Deactivated] on 02/05/2018 - 18:08
        +2

        Yep, so often the ones that bulk-bill everyone, aim to have you in and out in 5. The ones that only selectively bulk bill usually find themselves taking on all the patients with extensive chronic problems who find themselves blacklisted from the bulk billing GP as soon as things get complicated.

        Unsurprisingly, there are often no new patients accepted to see good GPs even when they charge a co-payment.

        • UNO on 02/05/2018 - 21:50

          If you check the MBS, there are different costs depending on the length of the consultation.

          However, in a bulk billed practice you don't know which fee they charged to the Government.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/05/2018 - 18:05
      +8

      If the government didn't allow co-payments. No one would bulk-bill. You would be in a queue months long to see a GP. The vast majority of GPs are in it for the patient care, not the money. The ones in it for the money are typically the ones bulk billing and actually over-billing Medicare, the others are charging what they need to so they can actually take the time needed to care for their patients, some of whom may not be able to pay and may require home visits and unpaid consults with specialists etc to ensure they get the best care.

      I've only seen GPs charge up to $70, and many are more like $45-55. Of that, you get most of it back from Medicare anyway, and the GP themselves would take around 50-65% of it after expenses and before tax.

      Try calling a tradie and see how you go finding one that will do a job for that.

      • buckster on 02/05/2018 - 19:32
        +5

        Very true, people are happy paying more than that for a haircut (ladies prices) but balk when it's their health

      • scheps on 04/05/2018 - 00:37

        call out fee for a tradie is way more than a visit to the gp. and that's just the beginning.

        • ninetyNineCents on 05/05/2018 - 17:42

          Scheps: call out fee for a tradie is way more than a visit to the gp. and that's just the beginning.

          99: you forgot to mention that tradies give our free quotes and dont get paid for doing them, they also need drive around buying supplies and so on. Try and be honest in your comparisons

        • [Deactivated] on 05/05/2018 - 18:36

          @ninetyNineCents:
          A tradie's quote details a job to be completed. If the extent of the job is not apparent, there may be a demolition fee to remove related matter first.

          You get the equivalent free quote from a GPs receptionist. You know how much you're going to pay for a consult. The advise/diagnosis/review is the actual service.

        • ninetyNineCents on 05/05/2018 - 22:47

          You may also not be aware that gps get paid nearly $200 for call outs to homes…

        • [Deactivated] on 05/05/2018 - 23:45
          +1

          @ninetyNineCents:
          And some GPs charge $500 for call outs. Some charge $100.

          Some tradies charge more than $500, some charge less.

          Some brands of chips cost more. Some less.

        • ninetyNineCents on 06/05/2018 - 15:49

          @tshow:

          Except yet again you fail to tell the full picture. You try and pretend that traddies get big $$$ for every call out when the truth is they a large percentage of their call outs earn them nothing, Thats a big difference and its dishonest to pretend they are earning those big $$$ for every call.

        • [Deactivated] on 06/05/2018 - 18:31

          @ninetyNineCents:
          So what is the average tradie call out vs average call out of a doctor in Australia?

        • limafoxtrot on 06/05/2018 - 22:56

          @ninetyNineCents:

          You may also not be aware that gps get paid nearly $200 for call outs to homes…

          I like your style - never let facts get in the way of good story! :)

      • DavidFong on 05/05/2018 - 23:52
        +2

        @nineyNinecents
        "You may also not be aware that gps get paid nearly $200 for call outs to homes…"

        As a GP who does do home visits, 'standard' hours and 'out-of-hours', both to homes and to residential aged care facilities (RACGP) I can assure you that $200 is not the call-out fee to go to the home.

        A level C ('long') consult at a home lasting 20-40 minutes has just under a $100 fee. The 20-40 minutes specifically excludes traveling time. There are additional payments, slightly less than $20 each, if the visit is to a nursing home, or is after-hours (e.g. after 6 p.m.). The level B ('standard') consult of 5-19 minutes is paid less.

        You may have heard of the notorious 'urgent after-hours' fee, beloved by the after-hours 'DIAL A DOCTOR/PIZZA, WHILE YOU WATCH TV ON YOUR LIVING ROOM COUCH' after-hours companies. They used item 597 ($130), and item 599 ($153). Item 599 only applies after 11 p.m., and I can tell you from my experience in trying to stop that abuse of the primary care medical system, the vast majority of item numbers claimed by these 'DIAL A DOCTOR/PIZZA' companies were item 597 rather than 599.

        It is to be noted that the intent of the item 597/599 system was not for people wanting a sick certificate or a repeat cholesterol-tablet prescription at 9 p.m. at night. The wording of the Medicare 'urgent after-hours' attendance suggested that the doctor had to come to the clinic and open it up for the specific reason of seeing the patient, i.e. perhaps the doctor had to get out of bed or stop their dinner-date.

        Another thing to note is that, in my case, most home visits and aged-care facilities are done for aged-care pensioners, who would qualify for bulk-billing in many general practices. Fairly rare for anyone in an nursing home to be charged above the bulk-billing rate.

        Overall bulk billing rates in Australia are at a historic high, 85.8% (http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/C…), so if bulk-billing is very important to the original poster, and they live in a major metropolitan centre, they aren't a very good bargain hunter! Perhaps they want to bargain down that new iClone X to a feature-phone price too?

        Whether close-to-universal bulk-billing is a 'good thing' is another issue.
        My area has approximately one GP per 500 people.
        Given that the average full-time GP can see 30+ patients a day, an average GP could see 150 patients a week (note that not all GPs work full-time, however)
        Does 20+ percent of the population really need to see a GP in any given week?
        Would the country be healthier if there were less doctor visits? (a la Baron Munchausen)

        (if anyone is wondering what is happening, it is likely that some patients take advantage of this 'free' service and see multiple GPs per month)

        • ninetyNineCents on 06/05/2018 - 15:54
          -1

          99: "You may also not be aware that gps get paid nearly $200 for call outs to homes…"

          DF: A level C ('long') consult at a home lasting 20-40 minutes has just under a $100 fee. The 20-40 minutes specifically excludes traveling time. There are additional payments, slightly less than $20 each, if the visit is to a nursing home, or is after-hours (e.g. after 6 p.m.). The level B ('standard') consult of 5-19 minutes is paid less.

          99: i know what ive seen and heard many times, where the doctor makes a home visit which happens to match their trip home, and then they try and give blood pressure tests to both grandpa and grandma to claim 2x $150.

          There have been many articles in the media about this abuse.

          Home-call doctor rip-off: Taskforce nails massive faults costing …
          https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/.../homecall-doctor.../c14…
          Oct 18, 2017 - HOME-CALL doctors are set to be banned from charging a 130 call-out fee as a major report exposes how they have wasted taxpayer dollars …

          Most doctors operate in cities and towns, travel time to paitents who are mostly local is less than 10 mins each way. Im talking about typical not the rare example.

        • limafoxtrot on 06/05/2018 - 16:44
          +1

          @ninetyNineCents:

          99: i know what ive seen and heard many times, where the doctor makes a home visit which happens to match their trip home, and then they try and give blood pressure >tests to both grandpa and grandma to claim 2x $150.

          There have been many articles in the media about this abuse.

          Home-call doctor rip-off: Taskforce nails massive faults costing …
          https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/.../homecall-doctor.../c14…

          Your ability to shot from the hip with half-a-fact is, once again, absolutely priceless. :)

          "I've seen and heard many times" is a classic quote, equating to "I've heard of it happening once, but that doesn't sound so convincing, so I'll exaggerate it x10".

          If a doctor is doing home visits on the way home after 11pm at night, which is when the $150 rebate applies, as far as I'm concerned, he's earned not only his $150 bucks, but a medal as well.

          The article you quote has nothing to do with regular GPs doing home visits on their way home from work, it's about the big private-equity owned bulk-billed home visit companies. Completely different kettle of fish.

          Like I said, you're absolutely hilarious! Keep it up, you're massively entertaining.

        • [Deactivated] on 06/05/2018 - 18:33

          @limafoxtrot:
          You better state what car you drive to keep this conversation fluid.

        • limafoxtrot on 06/05/2018 - 20:45

          @tshow:

          You better state what car you drive to keep this conversation fluid.

          Whoops, of course, sorry, forgot to include that - 2005 Mitsubishi Grandis. Ex-patient transport vehicle for the local psych hospital, which is why there is a boot print on the roof lining. ;)

        • Halc on 06/05/2018 - 23:41
          +1

          @ninetyNineCents:
          and i've heard there's this user who calls himself 99cents who makes up 99% of facts on subjects he/she pretends to know a lot about

          /insert link to a sensationalised media article i just googled

  • marcusv on 02/05/2018 - 09:24
    +2

    Download the HealthEngine app and filter your search by doctors that bulk bill.

  • Corrugated Ironman on 02/05/2018 - 09:27
    +17

    How to get a GP doctor to bulk bill you?
    Become chronically ill. That sometimes works. Otherwise try unemployment, disability or just living below the poverty line due to undiagnosed mental heath issues or the like.
    Best of luck there with your first world problems champ.

  • Archi on 02/05/2018 - 09:50
    +1

    Mmmm in the 40 years I have been alive I don't think I have nor parents have ever been to a GP or health clinic that wasn't bulk billed.

    Specialists are a re different scenario.

    • BartholemewH on 02/05/2018 - 17:19

      Move outside a major city. The practice I go to is $75 and the one my wife goes to is $88. Including $88 per visit for my toddler.

  • Gronk on 02/05/2018 - 09:53
    +16

    1 post troll, keep moving people.

  • Quantumcat on 02/05/2018 - 09:56

    I only just woke up and I ran out of positive votes only a quarter through reading the comments here

  • [Deactivated] on 02/05/2018 - 09:58
    +15

    OP, believe me, our health system, while not perfect, is well weighted. In the UK Doctors are often underpaid and overworked. The front end, the first point of contact is free on the NHS, so Everyman and his dog goes in with the sniffles, waiting lists are long and people really go in to the doctors with the slightest unnecessary ailments. If you want an appointment that day? In a lot of surgeries it’s a lottery to ring up at opening and get one of the few available spots. It’s a lottery. This is great for the huge welfare class in the UK, (50% of housing stock in the UK is owned by the government/councils), who have little foresight, but when you are really in trouble, the NHS hits stumbling blocks. More expensive treatments for some cancers, like commonly available immunotherapies (in Australia), are not available on the NHS, because they are deemed to expensive. Need a scan? In Australia the turnaround is usually in hours. In the UK? Weeks to get the scan and weeks to process it. The NHS caters to the bottom end, it appeases the mindless masses, but when the shit hits the fan, and you really need that $10k a week treatment, Medicare is the system you want to be in. Try not the be so short sighted.

    • scheps on 04/05/2018 - 00:38
      +2

      agreed. the op needs to go talk to the masses of uk doctors who moved here not just for the sun.

  • MisterQ on 02/05/2018 - 10:00

    Even with Specialists, bulk billing is possible - you just have to shop around. My son, graduated uni, but still trying to get a job, needed an MRI (As referred by a Specialist) - did a ring around and found a radiology lab that bulk billed. Only gotcha was that they were on the premises of a local private hospital, and the only appointment was at 9PM. Listening to other patients going through - $500+ bills, my son gets done and it's "all set".

    Of course, if you go to www.1800bulkbill.com.au you can search for bulk billers in your area.

    • try2bhelpful on 02/05/2018 - 10:38

      As it should be, people who can afford to pay subsidising those who can’t. I was a unemployed graduate once so I’m happy to subsidise the next generation.

  • darkb on 02/05/2018 - 10:14
    +3

    Healthcare is a privilege not a right.

    • try2bhelpful on 02/05/2018 - 10:28

      As is accomodation, food, education, etc. however we seem to have a tiered level for all these. Bulk bill clinics provide, at least, a base level for people to go to. I am more concerned about people living in the streets than some people copaying at some private practices. They don’t hide there is a fee up front.

    • buckster on 02/05/2018 - 19:34
      +2

      I disagree, but the government could properly fund doctors and the healthcare sector in generalif they wanted 100% bulk billing rates

    • Save Medicare on 03/05/2018 - 12:47

      Healthcare is a right not a privilege

  • darkb on 02/05/2018 - 10:23
    +9

    Generalising but it's not uncommon for people with this opinion to prioritise spending money on consumer things over paying a $35 gap fee for a medical professional consult. Put it in perspective, that $35 is nominal compared to all other services when you consider the value/importance of it.

    • try2bhelpful on 02/05/2018 - 10:29
      +3

      Completely agree. Is it worth the cost of a meal to see your preferred doctor?

    • SimpleLeverage on 02/05/2018 - 14:14

      One of the clinics in Melbourne CBD charges $95 for a short consultation on weekdays, more on weekends. Even after Medicare rebate, that's still like ~$60 out of pocket?

      The office workers could probably afford it; but there are also lots of students who live in the CBD because it's close to their university etc.

      I don't think there are any in the CBD that bulk bill? Although happy to be corrected.

    • Tsuska on 02/05/2018 - 17:12
      +2

      I tell my patients to stop smoking. That'll save them around $35/day….and they don't see me every day.

  • ShannonN on 02/05/2018 - 10:28
    +2

    If you think the free health care systems in European countries is so great you can always move there to take advantage of it?

    Bulk billing is for low income earners who otherwise would not be able to get treated, that included people on pensions and unemployment
    If you are not a low income earner and have no private insurance then you probably don't qualify for bulk billing

    • pformag on 02/05/2018 - 15:29
      +4

      If you have a Medicare card, and you go to a bulk bill doctor, it is done automatically. They don't ask your income status.

  • dmcneice on 02/05/2018 - 10:58
    +31

    GP here. While many think this is a troll post, I'm sure she legitimately thinks like this as so many patients do.

    These same patients often come in with their $1000-2000 phones while on holidays or come from an area that bulk bills.

    To make it worth their while, GP's need to see 5 to 6 an hour if they bulk bill everyone. I don't care what anyone says, the care quality will go down.

    That being said, I bulk bill (not advertised) under certain situations,such as very easy script renewal/lost scripts, normal results and when it's a quick question that I can't really help them with.

    • Trying2SaveABuck on 02/05/2018 - 11:40

      OMG this 100% agree

    • [Deactivated] on 02/05/2018 - 12:06
      +1

      What you're doing is diagnosing someone's wallet. I have been there and justified it well. I used to give discounts, bulk bill, bend over backwards to accommodate out of compassion.

      At least that's what I thought was compassion. It is just prejudice (in the pure sense of the word).

      I agree with everything you said but don't let your mind wonder to the type of phone your patient is using. It doesn't matter how they spend their money just like it doesn't matter how you much you charge you patient (of course with prior understanding and consent).

      • dmcneice on 02/05/2018 - 12:22
        +7

        I don't charge anyone differently because of it. Just pointing out the hypocrisy of these patient.

        We are mixed billing practice and I just bill as per the practice policy. Those times are just when I might (on my judgement) decide to bulk bill someone.

        • [Deactivated] on 02/05/2018 - 12:29

          We do tend to make subconscious prejudice when we notice such things. It's easier to remove all financial thoughts when dealing with patients. Looking at their hypocrisy raises more questions that it answers.

          Purely philosophical at this point.

    • SlickMick on 03/05/2018 - 12:21
      +1

      My Dr bulk bills everyone, but usual appointment durations are 1/2 that. Works for me. If something needs addressing, I make a longer appointment - still bulk billed.

      Without bulk billing, I wouldn't go to a Dr until last resort. It's in the government's interest to have a healthy nation, so I reckon bulk-billing is a good idea - for everyone.
      We had the debate - they tried to introduce a user-pays portion, and it didn't happen.

      • whoopi on 05/05/2018 - 08:34

        I would assume it would be in YOUR interest to be healthy more than the government’s. So why not just pay the extra $35 or so on your health instead of a few extra beers on the weekend?

    • ninetyNineCents on 05/05/2018 - 17:44

      Care will go down ?

      The time for a blood pressure, ear examination or taking blood is constant. Im sorry doctors always slow down when theres less paitents and speed up when theres more. Doesnt take a genius to figure out why.

      • [Deactivated] on 05/05/2018 - 18:41
        +1

        Maybe because time restrictions make people work faster?

        Maybe because when people work faster, they miss incidental findings?

        Blood pressure and other routine procedures are often to distract a patient. Perhaps your GP was taking your BP to get you to shut up so he/she can listen to your breathing. Perhaps turbulent respiration is a more valuable finding than your direct cardiac function? Maybe a GP actually knows medicine and sees a few more cases than an internet expert who bores the GP on every visit.

        • ninetyNineCents on 05/05/2018 - 22:54

          TS: Maybe because time restrictions make people work faster?

          99: No because when theres nobody waiting, doctors keep that little old lady talking and talking… who comes in looking for a friend.

          TS: Blood pressure and other routine procedures are often to distract a patient.

          99: In other words most of the time they are a waste of time.

          TS: Perhaps your GP was taking your BP to get you to shut up so he/she can listen to your breathing.

          99: Ad hom attack, classy!

          TS: Perhaps turbulent respiration is a more valuable finding than your direct cardiac function?

          99: yes im sure GPS need to check that with everyone.

          TS: Maybe a GP actually knows medicine and sees a few more cases than an internet expert who bores the GP on every visit.

          99: ANother ad hom, your arguments must be really strong.

          Well then it would be irresponsible for them to "skip" important stuff just because of time, but they skip it anyway because in the end its about money.

          The difference is you cant be honest about it.

        • [Deactivated] on 05/05/2018 - 23:52
          +1

          @ninetyNineCents:
          I'm dishonest because I provide a scenario that you deny exists.

          You're obviously honest with your claims of

          1. "GPs drive nicer cars" - baseless

          2. "GPs don't perform any operations - false (but now trying to move goal post)

          3. Lots of claims that GPs are greedy - slander

          4. Asking me what car I drive on multiple occasions - irrelevant.

          The difference is I don't label your arguments with "ad hom", "straw man", "Chewbaccas" as you would when you're clearly spewing presumptious crap. I just knock your BS on its (lack) of merits.

  • tanksinatra on 02/05/2018 - 10:58
    +19

    The medicare rebate is currently $37.05 for a standard GP consultation, or $16.95 for a simple presentation. The pays the doctor, receptionist, power, rent, fittings, taxes, insurance & professional indemnity, software licences, professional registration, medical college fees etc.

    Doesn't sound like much does it? It's even worse when you realise that the figure hasn't changed since 2014. The government at the time decided to cease indexation to save costs.

    So in answer to your question - How to get a GP doctor to bulk bill you?
    You should write to the health minister/government advising him/her to properly fund medicare, index the medicare rebate and set the rebate at a level which the GP clinic can afford to operate. Otherwise they will spend your healthcare dollars on French submarines and you'll end up on Ozbargain complaining that your GP won't (can't) bulk-bill you.

    Hope that helps.

    • MessyG on 02/05/2018 - 20:09
      +2

      This this this. That rebate has been frozen for years too.

  • ozzpete on 02/05/2018 - 11:31
    +9

    Go back to Europe, instead of coming to our country and whinging we wont give you everything for free.
    There is free access for medical needs for pretty much anything, except natural therapies (which are often great). GP's, surgeons, specialists, have the right to charge more than the minimum wage for them through medicare. We have the choice to go elsewhere and see a different medical practitioner for free (with medicare paying).
    The problem with making all health care free (paid by taxpayers) would be that then how would we practically award payments/wages ie. Do we suddenly start paying all the ones that are happy to work for medicare rate of minimum pay more , or do we force those that charge higher rate than Medicare's minimum rate less ? Then we are becoming a communist country and not allowing people to set their own pricing within reason.
    If we pay all medical professionals the same rate and force them all to work for the medicare rate (which is essentially a minimum wage, for that profession) then what incentive do they have to do very well, and for people who are highly gifted to study medicine, and/or to stay in Australia after graduation, when they know they can go oveeseas to work and get paid much much higher wages.
    I believe any specialist with consultations at a public hospital, is always free (paid by medicare/taxes).
    Also some medical practitioners will bulk bill, and/or charge a much reduced rate, for those really in need, that cannot afford to pay the gap etc. If you are in Australia, coming from Europe, then I expect you have a job, a highly skilled profession, and a decent paying job at that, else they wouldn't usually allow you to live permanently in our country.
    Unless you married to get here.
    How would you feel if you were suddenly told you will be paid half your current rate, and that no matter how good you are at your job, you will always be paid the same regardless?

    • Deridas on 04/05/2018 - 12:56

      Your last statement reminds me of a socialist system…

  • djmm on 02/05/2018 - 11:36
    +2

    You can also bulk bill Thai massage.

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 02/05/2018 - 11:38
    +2

    There are plenty of bulk billed clinics this thread is pointless?

    • Pootie Tang on 02/05/2018 - 13:17
      +1

      Google must be broken

  • tictoc2 on 02/05/2018 - 11:40

    That's just the system here. People are willing to pay for a doctor they can trust. Bulk billing doctors are OK too. There are always bulk billing practices around - you just have to find them. I'm not sure where you're based but some bulk billing practices don't come up on the health engine website.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/05/2018 - 12:44
      +2

      If I'm bulk billing, I wouldn't advertise it. I wouldn't even want to keep patients like OP. It would be a selective list of people who aren't entitled pricks.

      These practices exist and Are actually quite common. Clinics with a closed patient list.

  • sim777 on 02/05/2018 - 12:04

    If I was the GP seeing you and you came to me with those excuses I would most definitely charge you a consult fee (maybe even make you wait longer while I type my medical records before calling you in).

  • CocaKoala on 02/05/2018 - 12:44
    +2

    Unless you're trolling (trolling is rather I suspect to be the case), you should be seeing a mental health service provider instead of a GP for your delusions.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/05/2018 - 12:55
      +6

      There would be a long line of sufferers for entitleditis.

      • Cyphar on 02/05/2018 - 13:44
        +6

        I hear it's as bad as affluenza

        • [Deactivated] on 02/05/2018 - 13:45
          +5

          Symptoms include verbal diarrhea.

        • CocaKoala on 02/05/2018 - 15:39
          +1

          …and Little Princess syndrome. That's a dead giveaway which mandates a dose of Safium Ignorium.

  • bbourke85 on 02/05/2018 - 12:45
    +3

    I am still trying to get specialists to bulk bulk.

    Yeah good luck

  • flickr on 02/05/2018 - 13:19
    -1

    There is no doctor here at OzB to give out their side of story?

    • [Deactivated] on 02/05/2018 - 13:32

      GPs are looking to pay more than RRP because they make so much. There's even a top 20 list of highest paid profession… Used twice. Doesn't matter that GP is not on the list. Top 20!

      • ninetyNineCents on 05/05/2018 - 22:56
        -2

        why dont you show us what the avg doctors income is from the ATO ?

        Oh thats right you dont want to tell us its in the top 1% because that throws out your bullshit that you barely break even and need a second job at woolies to pay the electricity bills at the surgery.

        • limafoxtrot on 06/05/2018 - 09:37
          +2

          "GPs scrape into the top 50 highest earners in Australia, but fall well below their specialist and surgical colleagues, according to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

          Male GPs earn an average of $185,000 per year and rank number 48 among all Australian men, while female GPs earn an average of $130,000 and rank number 40 among all Australian women, taxation statistics from 2013/2014 show.

          Neurosurgeons are the top earners among males, raking in almost $600,000 per year, while judges are the top earners among females, earning about $350,000 per year (see the top 50 list from 2013/2014 below).

          Specialist physicians and surgeons dominate the top 20 spots, occupying 18 of the top 20 male positions and 17 of the top 20 female positions.

          Male doctors typically earn about twice as much as their female counterparts, but the statistics do not distinguish between part-time and full-time workers.

          For example, male and female ophthalmologists earn $550,000 and $220,000 respectively, while male and female cardiologists earn $450,000 and $220,000 respectively.

          Professionals from the legal and finance industries occupy the majority of the non-medical top 50 positions, with cricketers, politicians, engineers and mining managers also getting a look in.

          Although it is widely believed that tradies earn more than GPs, the ATO statistics reveal that the average income of builders, plumbers and electricians is only about $70,000-$90,000.

          Meanwhile, some of the lowest earners in 2013/2014 included deer farmers, fruit pickers, hamburger cooks, and bicycle mechanics, who all made less than $20,000.

          According to the ATO, the statistics do not include some mega-rich earners because their career title was unavailable or they were protected by privacy. The average annual income of these individuals was more than $3 million."

          https://www.australiandoctor.com.au/news/gp-incomes-dwarfed-…

    • buckster on 02/05/2018 - 19:37

      There have been plenty of comments by some already if you read them

    • MessyG on 02/05/2018 - 20:10

      Lots of have already commented.

  • Stimps on 02/05/2018 - 13:38
    +1

    Just remember it's often a case of you get what you pay for. Many bulk billing clinics have foreign trained doctors that have not yet passed the RACGP fellowship or doctors who have a mark against their name. Furthermore they have to churn and burn through patients with 9 minute appointments to make up for the shortfall.

  • Piranha2004 on 02/05/2018 - 13:40
    +1

    Rants on Ozb but can't be bothered to Google nearby bulk billed clinics. Makes perfect sense.

    • buckster on 02/05/2018 - 19:37
      +1

      OzWhinge

  • Cyphar on 02/05/2018 - 13:43
    +1

    In Europe healthcare is free

    Healthcare should be free

    You pay a healthcare levy in Europe. Just like in Australia. It isn't free unless you pay no taxes.

  • Vancomycin 1000mg on 02/05/2018 - 14:08
    -2

    I tell them, I am university student and live on noodle. They bulk bill everything and sometimes medication too.

    • Cyphar on 02/05/2018 - 22:37

      Just one noodle? How do you portion that?

  • Azrael169 on 02/05/2018 - 14:25
    +33

    GP's earn so much huh…

    Standard bulk bill consult is $37, multiply that by say 4 patients a hour 7 hours a day? $1036. 5 days per week $5180, 52 weeks per year $269,360… YOUR RIGHT!!! GP's are raking it in!!!

    Wait… GP's arnt employees, they are contractors to the place they work. The practice they work for takes a percentage of that salary… average would be about 40% Mr GP's salary just went from $269,360 down to $161,616. Still thats pretty bloody good.

    Wait… Contractors dont get holidays, your GP didnt work 52 weeks a year, only 48. Salary is down to $149,184. GP's still sitting pretty

    Actually, contractors dont get paid sick leave either. Average person is entitled to 2 weeks per year so now we are working 46 weeks. Now we sit at $142,968

    Now this yearly income of $142,968 dosnt include super (subtract 10% of income per year), paying off hecs debt (? 9% of income), contractors arnt entitled to long service leave so need to self fund (12 weeks paid leave accrued after 10 years - subtract another 1.2 weeks working per year). Plus dont forget our good friend income tax. Subtract another week of the year for ongoing professional development. Most GP's will work 4.5 days per week, so the last half day can be spent phoning patients regarding results, following up on correspondence etc. All this work is unpaid btw. Being a GOOD GP seeing 4 patients a hour and bulk billing isnt viable IMO. You would need to see 6-7 patients a hour which gives me about 8 minutes to deal with your problem as a GP.

    As a GP in Australia I would consider leaving the profession if all i got was the medicare bulk bill amount. Its not worth all the hassle you have to go through on a daily basis.

    Now to be a GP in Australia you need to complete a undergraduate degree (3 years no income), then you need a post graduate medical degree (4 years). 7 years of study with no income what-so-ever. Also your life is basically eat, medicine, sleep. Then you get to spend 2 years in the hospital as a slave (Intern/RMO) earning a moderate amount, by no means living the flash life and working terrible hours. Then you go into GP training and take a pay cut (earn less than whats listed above as your training) and have to pay for ongoing education and exams.

    Add in medical indemnity, add in cost of doing courses etc etc

    I'm a GP, where do i have to sign to get my Ferrari? Please let me know.

    Currently the Australian Medical Association suggests that GP's should charge approximately $70ish dollars for a consult to be correctly compensated for our time. You asking me to bulk bill you is asking me to work for half my normal pay. If your a mechanic can you fix my car for half price? You a gardener? Will you come and do my gardens for half price?

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