More than half (53 per cent) of Australians cite cost concerns for GP medical appointments and are going less often, given the realities of the decline of bulk billing practices.
New research from the bi-annual Australian Healthcare Index report conducted by Healthengine and the Australian Patients Association finds a declining trend in Australia’s healthcare rating over four reports down from 7.8 to 7.1/10 since March 2021, and revealed the top three challenges for Australian healthcare:
- GP, nurse and healthcare worker shortages (47 per cent)
- Emergency Department wait times (42 per cent)
- Increasing out-of-pocket costs to see a GP (33 per cent)
Over the past year, Australia’s GP Net Promoter Score has dropped 16 per cent, with this result tied to how costs and wait times are affecting patients.
Cost concerns are prevalent for one in four (26 per cent) survey respondents, with 88 per cent of those now paying more.
Of the 88 per cent paying more, 19 per cent pay up to $10 more, 24 per cent pay $11-20 more and 45 per cent pay $20+ more for a visit.
Already, 10 per cent of respondents have changed their GP/clinic due to increasing costs.
CEO and founder of Healthengine and GP, Dr Marcus Tan said: “The June 2022 Australian Healthcare Index report brought attention to patients’ struggle to access and afford essential healthcare, and whilst the latest report echoes this, new concerns are raised as people said they go less often to the GP due to cost concerns.
“Skipping primary care isn’t a choice people should have to make, but it’s the current reality with the decline of bulk billing and rising cost of living.
With GPs also being the conduit to other care including referrals to specialists, mental health treatment plans and medication scripts, the impact of skipping the GP compounds.
“These findings illustrate just some of the challenges facing Australian healthcare. We must listen to patients and take onboard their experiences to help ensure a more sustainable healthcare system.”
The research also showed that Australians are going without other vital healthcare services, such as filling necessary medication scripts (22 per cent), mental health support (19 per cent), and even some (17 per cent) turning to ‘Dr Google’ as the first stop for health advice.
Australian Patients Association’s CEO Stephen Mason said: “The new Australian Healthcare Index report paints a bleak outlook on Australia’s healthcare from the perspectives and experiences of 11,405 patients.
“Patients are experiencing long wait times across critical elective surgeries, emergency departments and mental healthcare as well as cost concerns tied to prescription medicines, private health insurance, and dental care and the decline of bulk-bill GP practices.”
CEO of the Australian Psychological Society, Dr Zena Burgess, said more needs to be done to support those who live with mental health conditions.
“While the COVID-19 pandemic concerns decline in Australia and around the world, the need for mental health and wellness support continues. Figures from the Australian Healthcare Index June report in comparison to now find that access to mental health support services has stabilised versus progressed. In a country like Australia, we must lift this standard so we can better support those in need.”
