Andrew Hastie.
Camera IconAndrew Hastie. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Canning patients’ bulk billing rates for GP visits above national average

Victoria RificiMandurah Coastal Times

CANNING patients’ Medicare bulk billing rates for visiting their GP is above the national average, growing to 90.9 per cent, according to Federal Member for Canning Andrew Hastie.

The latest Medicare data from July 2017 to March 2018 shows Australian patients reached the highest GP bulk-billing rate ever.

“These statistics show more locals are seeing their doctor without having to pay than ever before,” Mr Hastie said.

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“More than 694,000 bulk-billed GP visits in Canning were provided to patients from July 2017 to March 2018, nearly 60,000 more services provided than last year.

“Being a regional doctor can be a very tough job. I want to thank the doctors who continue to deliver excellent services to people across the Peel Region.”

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the number of fully subsidised services across Medicare in Australia had risen, with an additional 13 million bulk-billed services delivered compared to last year, and 241 million bulk-billed services nationally.

“Our commitment to Medicare is rock solid and we will continue to ensure Australian patients are supported more than ever,” Mr Hunt said.

“And although more Australians are benefiting from these record figures we must continue to drive down the cost of private health insurance and address out-of-pocket costs.

“That’s why we’re working with the medical profession to address the large and sometimes unanticipated out-of-pocket medical fees some patients face.”

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