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The Guardian - AU

National

Melissa Davey, Nick Evershed and Natasha May

Revealed: more Australians than ever are paying to see a doctor as new data shows worst-hit areas

Guardian Australia Australia Donald Smith Department of Health Mark Butler Services Australia

A composite image of a doctors office, line graph and a hand holding a Medicare card — The proportion of GP visits being bulk billed has declined across Australia, with some areas hit particularly hard. Composite: AAP/Getty Images

The number of Australians who are fully bulk billed by their GP has dropped significantly in just three years, with one electorate experiencing a decline of 18%, a Guardian Australia investigation reveals.

Experts say the decline of bulk billing – where the full cost of a consultation is paid for by Medicare without any additional gap fees – is putting serious strain on overstretched emergency departments and other health services.

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