Spike in Bulk‑Billing GP Clinics — but Patient Costs Are Rising Too
12 Jan 2026
Cleanbill’s nationwide survey of nearly 6,900 GP clinics found that about 40.2% now fully bulk bill all patients, up from around 20.7% a year ago. More than 1,000 practices have shifted from mixed billing to full bulk billing, a turnaround described as “a complete reversal” by those analysing the figures.
The increase has been especially noticeable in Tasmania, where there were previously no clinics fully bulk‑billing new patients — now there are around 37.
However, the report also shows that gap fees for patients who aren’t bulk‑billed have climbed sharply. The average out‑of‑pocket cost for a standard GP consultation has jumped by about 13.5% to roughly $49.23 nationally, with some states like Tasmania and the ACT among the highest.
The President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) says the rise in bulk billing isn’t surprising given new Medicare incentives, but that rising consultation complexity and costs are also factors. Practices still need to cover their running costs, and doctors must weigh that alongside government funding levels when deciding their billing model.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has questioned the reliability of Cleanbill’s figures, noting alternative government data showing different bulk‑billing numbers, while the Shadow Health Minister welcomed the increase in bulk‑billing clinics but warned that access remains uneven.
In the same period, Cleanbill’s report recorded a slight net decline in the total number of GP clinics compared to last year, even as the proportion offering full bulk billing rose.
Source: Cleanbill Blue Report / RACGP commentary, as covered by multiple outlets including The Guardian and SBS News
https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/professional/a-complete-reversal-surge-in-bulk-billing-practice