What Patients Value Most in Their GP
17 Oct 2025
Key findings include:
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High GP engagement: 80% of Australians visited a GP in the past 12 months, up from 71% in 2024.
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Feeling cared for: 64% of patients reported feeling “completely cared for,” while 62% said their GP listened to them fully.
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Top GP qualities: Patients value doctors who are accessible, attentive listeners, clear communicators, and provide continuity of care.
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Factors in choosing a GP: Cost, appointment availability, and location are the most important, with seven in 10 Australians saying bulk billing is extremely important.
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Barriers to care: 17% of patients did not see a GP when needed, with affordability cited as the main reason.
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Consultation preference: 91% of patients prefer face-to-face appointments over telehealth.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright noted that while more people are seeing GPs, rising costs and longer consultations highlight the need for proper funding to support high-quality care.
Dr Niraj Shekhawatia, CEO of Hello Home Doctor Service, said the report acts as “both a benchmark and a mirror” for healthcare professionals, helping GPs refine care models based on patient satisfaction around access, affordability, and communication.
Source: NAB Health Insights Special Report 2025–26; newsGP, 2025.
