Residents in the Canning electorate have set a new record with the number of people visiting a bulk billing GP over 90 per cent.
The latest Medicare data from July 2017 to March 2018 shows Australian patients have set a new record for the highest GP bulk billing rate ever achieved for this period, increasing to 85.8 per cent nationwide.
In Canning that average is well about the national figure, with 90.9 per cent of residents heading to a bulk bill GP.
Member for Canning Andrew Hastie said he was pleased with the efforts of local doctors and their ability to meet such high demands.
“More than 694,000 bulk-billed GP visits in Canning were provided to patients from July 2017 to March 2018, nearly 60,000 more services provided than last year," he said.
“Being a regional doctor can be a very tough job. I want to thank the doctors who continue to deliver excellent services to people across the Peel region.
“These statistics show more locals are seeing their doctor without having to pay than ever before."
Health Minister Greg Hunt said that the number of fully subsidised services across Medicare in Australia has also risen, with an additional 13 million bulk-billed services delivered compared to last year, and a total of 241 million bulk-billed services nationally.
“Our commitment to Medicare is rock solid and we will continue to ensure Australian patients are supported more than ever," he said.
“And although more Australians are benefiting from these record figures we must continue to drive down the cost of private health insurance and address out-of-pocket costs.
“That’s why we’re working with the medical profession to address the large and sometimes unanticipated out-of-pocket medical fees some patients face.”
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