Bulk Bill Medical Centres crying poor

 

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners says Medicare rebates for GP consultations have not kept pace with the cost of providing care. Photograph: Dave Hunt/AAP

 

Practices making the switch include a Sydney clinic that this month sent a message to patients saying “Unfortunately we are no longer able to bulk bill” from 1 September. “All patients, even those with a pension or health care card, will be required to pay a fee for their consultation,” the message said.