Independent federal MP Rebekha Sharkie says general practitioners' (GPs') bulk-billing rates in her electorate of Mayo have experienced the second highest uplift in the nation, since bulk-billing incentives rose on 1 November 2023.

A 2023 report from healthcare search engine Cleanbill said Mayo was one of four around Australia where no GP clinics bulk bill new patients.

Last year’s federal budget committed $3.5 billion to triple bulk billing incentives for many common GP consultations, for children aged under 16 years, pensioners and other Commonwealth concession card holders.

Ms Sharkie has long called on the Government to reduce cost pressures for patients and GPs by increasing the Medicare Benefits Schedule Fees for consultations, and providing greater incentives for doctors to bulk-bill.

She says she has now been informed that bulk-billing rates in Mayo increased by 8.9 per cent in the first two months since the government tripled the GP bulk-billing incentive, amounting to an estimated 12,996 additional bulk-billed visits to the GP for Mayo residents.

"Many residents have contacted me, concerned about falling rates of GPs bulk-billing, even for concession card holders and children,” Ms Sharkie says. 

“Some tell me they're putting off much-needed GP visits, or are being unable to pay other bills if they have to see their GP, as costs of living climb. 

“Some are waiting until their condition worsens and attending hospital emergency departments instead.

"With Mayo's bulk-billing rate at 60.4%, more than 10 per cent below the state average of 70.7 per cent in October 2023, we desperately needed change. 

Ms Sharkie says Mayo still has work to do to match the 74.5 per cent bulk-billing rates in the rest of the state and has asked Health Minister Mark Butler to provide relief, particularly for the most vulnerable in the community.

"I commend the Government for increasing incentives, and encourage our GPs to take advantage of the Federal and State incentives that have been put in place to help them to support regional and rural communities.”

The Mayo electorate includes the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island, as well as the Adelaide Hills.