RACGP Calls for Medicare Changes to Better Support Rural GP Care
04 Aug 2026
Speaking to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee, RACGP Rural Deputy Chair Dr Rod Omond said rural GPs often treat patients with multiple health concerns during a single visit. Many patients travel long distances for appointments, making longer consultations an essential part of rural healthcare.
Dr Omond said current Medicare funding places greater value on shorter appointments rather than longer consultations that involve managing chronic disease, mental health, aged care, emergency presentations, preventive care and coordinating ongoing treatment.
He explained that shorter consultations can generate significantly higher income per hour than longer consultations, making it financially difficult for rural GPs to spend the time patients often need.
Members of the committee acknowledged these concerns. Queensland Liberal Senator Paul Scarr said the current funding model appears to encourage quick consultations instead of allowing doctors to spend more time with patients. Tasmanian Labor Senator Josh Dolega also recognised the challenges faced by rural communities, where patients may travel long distances and require more comprehensive care during each visit.
The RACGP also told the inquiry that several Medicare settings create additional challenges for rural practices. These include aspects of MyMedicare, telehealth eligibility rules, and funding arrangements for mental health and aged care services.
Dr Omond warned that if rural general practices become financially unsustainable, patients may delay seeking care and hospitals could face increasing pressure from conditions that should be managed in primary care.
To improve rural healthcare, the RACGP is recommending structural Medicare reforms. These include creating an independent Medicare pricing authority, increasing rebates for longer consultations, improving MyMedicare flexibility in rural areas, strengthening Medicare support for GP mental health and aged care services, and ensuring future Medicare reforms are assessed for their impact on rural communities before being introduced.
Dr Omond also noted that while rural incentive payments are available, they still favour higher numbers of consultations rather than longer appointments. He added that support from local councils in providing healthcare facilities has also helped attract and retain GPs in rural communities.
RACGP Calls for Medicare Changes to Better Support Rural GP Care
Source: RACGP News