The Cygnet Family Practice had to
choose between bulk-billing and closing its doors.(Supplied:
Kerrie Dugga)
Patients in the Huon Valley in southern Tasmania can’t find a bulk bill doctor.
Dr Kerrie Duggan, co-owner of Cygnet Family Practice said "Our
philosophy is kind, holistic health care, but it can't be free. We've absorbed
costs for as long as we can," she said.
"But it's come to the point now that if we didn't introduce private billing, we would have had to close our practice and we would have no services for the 2,000-plus patients that are on our books.
"This will see an increased number of people seeking help at emergency departments, (who treat people for free) often later in their illness or injury where complication and poorer health-care outcomes will be a consequence.
"Our emergency departments are already overcrowded with
people who don't need emergency care but urgent care, which has historically
been provided by general practices."
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