Medicare reform could better recognise the value of complex GP care
08 Sep 2026
The issue gained attention after Melbourne GP Dr Elly Goodsall shared her experience of considering leaving general practice because longer and more complex consultations could result in lower earnings despite requiring more time.
Her experience prompted GPs across Australia to share similar concerns, including unpaid work, increasing mental health demands and the growing complexity of patient care.
The RACGP says the problem can have a particular impact on female GPs, who are more likely to provide longer consultations and care involving mental health and women’s health.
Female GPs spend an average of 21 minutes with each patient, compared with 18 minutes for male GPs. Longer consultations are also more common among female GPs.
However, Medicare rebates do not increase at the same rate as consultation time. This has raised concerns that the current funding structure may discourage longer, more comprehensive care.
A draft report from the MBS Review Advisory Committee’s time-tiered review has also identified concerns about the difference in funding between shorter and longer consultations. The review found that the current structure can disadvantage both patients who need more time and clinicians providing that care.
The report also found that the existing bulk-billing incentive structure can increase this imbalance.
One option identified in the draft report is increasing Medicare fees for longer consultations, including Levels C to E. However, the report is still in draft form and does not set specific rebate amounts.
The RACGP has separately called for a 40% increase in Medicare rebates for consultations lasting more than 20 minutes.
The RACGP says the issue is about more than GP income. It is also about whether Medicare adequately supports the increasingly complex healthcare needs of Australians.
GPs regularly manage patients with multiple chronic conditions, mental health concerns, disability, frailty and complex social circumstances. These consultations can require more time to understand the patient’s needs, coordinate care and develop an appropriate plan.
The RACGP has also raised concerns that focusing only on bulk-billing rates does not show whether patients can access longer appointments when they need them.
If complex consultations become financially difficult to provide, some GPs may reduce their clinical work or leave traditional general practice. This could affect continuity of care and place further pressure on hospitals and emergency departments.
The RACGP is encouraging GPs to contribute to the consultation on the draft review, which remains open until 15 October.
The college says Medicare should better recognise the time, complexity and continuity involved in modern general practice.
Medicare reform could better recognise the value of complex GP care
Source: RACGP newsGP