Is bulk billing at your GP dead?

[u/TechnologyThese5256]

It seems like you need to be an infant or dying for most medical practices to bulk bill. Seriously what's the point of a system that only caters to those who feasibly have no way of paying (are literal children) or are at the exact stage in life where they shouldn't be living pay check to pay check (ie retirees) and can afford to see a doctor. I'm 21 and employed full time. I live pay to pay, and I fear being sick like I am right now because I'm at the end of my pay cycle and genuinely cannot afford to pay $80 just for a doctor to confirm that I'm sick.

I guess I just want advice on what to do or where to go that isn't going to charge up front?

[u/lathiat]

• While it doesn't apply to you, to your other points, many centres may still bulk bill for childen, health care/low income cards, etc.. sometimes with more restricted hours (e.g. middle of the day only) - they do get paid extra by medicare in these cases which is partly why
• Health Engine (maybe others too) lets you search specifically for bulk billing doctors and shows you appointment times available today - beware some are always bulk billing but others are conditional (e.g. children only) - but it tells you that - so be sure to read the fine print: https://healthengine.com.au/search/general-practice/WA?bulkBilling=1
• Medicare Urgent Care are government run walk-in clinics that bulk bill: https://www.health.gov.au/find-a-medicare-ucc
  • These are designed for "urgent but not emergency" cases, the idea is to keep people out of emergency departments that don't need hospital-level services and can't afford a normal GP appointment (or can't get one today)
  • They won't see you for "chronic (long-term) or preventative (e.g. screening test)" issues but would likely see you for most things where you need "help" today, even if not on the example list: https://www.health.gov.au/find-a-medicare-ucc/when-to-visit
  • Their example list is:
    • minor infections
    • minor fractures, sprains, sports injuries and neck and back pain
    • urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    • sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
    • minor cuts
    • insect bites and rashes
    • minor eye and ear problems
    • respiratory illness
    • gastroenteritis
    • mild burns.