The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) says new bulk billing incentives mark a welcome investment in general practice but cautions that one-size-fits-all funding might not work across the breadth of rural and remote Australia.
Under the Federal Government’s new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP), announced by Minister for Health, Aged Care and Disability, the Hon Mark Butler MP, general practices that bulk bill all eligible patients receive a 12.5 per cent incentive payment, split between the practitioner and the practice.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says the investment recognises the importance of supporting General Practitioners, Rural Generalists, and rural practices to deliver affordable care, but acknowledges it will work better in some settings than others.
“This is a positive step that will work well in some towns and for some practices,” Dr Martin says.
“However, every rural and remote community is different, and each practice operates under unique circumstances and business models.
“The BBPIP is a welcome reform, but it needs to be flexible enough to reflect that diversity.”
“Many practices will continue to bulk bill patients they know are struggling financially, while asking those who can afford it to contribute — that balance helps keep doors open and services viable.”
He says the realities of Rural Generalist Medicine must also be considered in future funding design.
“We’ve said for years that the cost of providing healthcare in rural and remote areas is higher,” he adds.
“Rural Generalists often manage complex conditions and provide comprehensive, whole-of-life care.
“Consultations are typically longer, and the scope of practice is broader.
“The Government’s recognition of the need for better reimbursement is encouraging, but true financial sustainability requires models that reflect the nature of rural general practice and Rural Generalist work.”
Dr Martin says ACRRM looks forward to opportunities to co-design funding models that genuinely meet the needs of rural, remote, and First Nations communities.
“Good healthcare doesn’t come from a single model — it comes from supporting the people and systems that make it possible,” he says.
“We’ll continue to engage constructively to ensure this significant investment delivers lasting improvements for communities most in need while striving to improve the health outcomes for our patients.”
Under the Federal Government’s new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP), announced by Minister for Health, Aged Care and Disability, the Hon Mark Butler MP, general practices that bulk bill all eligible patients receive a 12.5 per cent incentive payment, split between the practitioner and the practice.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says the investment recognises the importance of supporting General Practitioners, Rural Generalists, and rural practices to deliver affordable care, but acknowledges it will work better in some settings than others.
“This is a positive step that will work well in some towns and for some practices,” Dr Martin says.
“However, every rural and remote community is different, and each practice operates under unique circumstances and business models.
“The BBPIP is a welcome reform, but it needs to be flexible enough to reflect that diversity.”
“Many practices will continue to bulk bill patients they know are struggling financially, while asking those who can afford it to contribute — that balance helps keep doors open and services viable.”
He says the realities of Rural Generalist Medicine must also be considered in future funding design.
“We’ve said for years that the cost of providing healthcare in rural and remote areas is higher,” he adds.
“Rural Generalists often manage complex conditions and provide comprehensive, whole-of-life care.
“Consultations are typically longer, and the scope of practice is broader.
“The Government’s recognition of the need for better reimbursement is encouraging, but true financial sustainability requires models that reflect the nature of rural general practice and Rural Generalist work.”
Dr Martin says ACRRM looks forward to opportunities to co-design funding models that genuinely meet the needs of rural, remote, and First Nations communities.
“Good healthcare doesn’t come from a single model — it comes from supporting the people and systems that make it possible,” he says.
“We’ll continue to engage constructively to ensure this significant investment delivers lasting improvements for communities most in need while striving to improve the health outcomes for our patients.”