14th Jan 2025
Bulk Billing is Not to Blame
In the important debate about accessible healthcare in Australia, one issue repeatedly dominates headlines: bulk billing in general practice. More often than not, we hear that bulk billing is to blame for lower GP earnings and the cause of increased financial pressures operating GP clinics.
At Cornerstone Health, we challenge this notion. Bulk billing is not to blame; this narrative is too simplistic and misses the core problem: the undervaluation of primary care is the real culprit. Blaming bulk billing is like faulting a fire alarm for the fire. The system itself is not broken but rather the support structure around it is fragmenting, with access to healthcare and continuity of care in jeopardy for both patients and doctors.
General Practitioners are the cornerstone of our healthcare system. They don’t just offer consultations; they deliver preventative care, chronic disease management, emergency and casualty treatment, mental health support, and much more. However, GPs are increasingly expected to do more for less, while keeping patients out of the expensive tertiary healthcare system.
In General Practice, a well-structured primary healthcare environment like Our Medical centres stands apart.
Accessible healthcare means breaking down barriers and supporting continuity of care. Providing equitable access to bulk billing GPs is its foundational starting point. Combining this with access to bulk billed radiology and bulk billed pathology in one location is proven to enhance patient health outcomes. Our Medical’s integrated approach to healthcare delivery means that GPs also have access to a fully equipped treatment room and nurses, so they are better supported to manage complex cases more effectively in a general practice setting. What’s more, GP earnings increase because Medicare incentivises end-to-end care.
Our Exceptional Healthcare Model recognises the growing demand for accessible, bulk-billed primary care services all in one location. We focus on proactive, community-based care. This leads to increased Medicare rebates for practitioners, not to mention the additional benefit of reducing unnecessary hospital visits and easing the burden of emergency department overload. Ultimately, we believe this approach creates a more sustainable healthcare system.
Our unique model has been proven to support GPs in achieving strong earnings and sustainable practice growth. General Practitioners in our network can expect to gross over $3,000 per day, with a notable reports of 20% year-on-year billing growth.
Endorsed by Real GPs
Dr Annette Munday, Clinical Lead GP at Our Medical Gregory Hills: “I moved to Cornerstone Health because it offered a better run operational model. The centres are bright, clean and airy. You have good support with the treatment room nurse, pharmacist, pathologist, and radiology. Also working within a dynamic group of doctors means that when you’re away your patients can still be looked after. At Cornerstone Health, you don’t have any operational worries; my earnings grew by 20% – all you have to do is practice medicine and you’re well remunerated for it.”
We understand that most doctors have joined general practice to focus on patient care and do not want to be burdened by operational concerns. If you’re feeling frustrated by the limitations of conventional general practice models, it may be time for you to consider a change.
For more information and a confidential discussion, contact us today via phone or text at 0420 077 995 or email careers@cornerstonehealth.com.au.