Moving to mixed billing is easy

The solution to paltry patient rebates is much simpler than you think.

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GP billing has become mainstream news in recent weeks, with bulk billing being declared dead following the derisory 1.6% rise in patient rebates. 

The Medical Republic spoke with Professor Candid about introducing mixed billing in your practice.  

TMR: Thank you for speaking with us today Professor – being both an economist and a clinician I know you must be terribly busy.   

PC: No, it’s my pleasure. 

TMR: Do you think that bulk billing has had its day?  

PC: Oh yes, absolutely. The current funding model, especially with Medicare rebates rising by just 1.6% makes it no longer sustainable for GPs and practices to bulk bill.   

TMR: What would you suggest to GPs who are currently struggling to make ends meet?  

PC: It’s very simple. Wages, materials and overheads have all gone up so you need to make more money!  

TMR: Right, it sounds easy but what tips can you give to flailing GPs who currently bulk bill?  

PC: I thought you might ask that so I put together a graph for you.  

PC: Now you’re no statistician, but even you can see there’s definitely something going on here. You’ll see that the more a GP bills the wealthier they get.  

TMR: So … just bill more, is that what you’re saying?  

PC: Yes. 

TMR: Just charge a gap. 

PC: Yes. As much as you like. $375 for a Level C. You’ll notice the improvement almost immediately.  

TMR: But what about those GPs who are anxious about introducing gap fees because their patients might leave their practice and go elsewhere? 

PC: My message is clear: patients who bang on about a gap fee are more than willing to spaff their entire month’s Centrelink up the wall. I frequently see patients wheeling shopping trolleys full of crap and if they can afford a bottle of Johnnie Walker, a plastic cactus, a neon bar sign and a Chucky doll from smokemart then they can jolly well afford a $20 gap fee.  

TMR: Not all patients would agree with you, though. GPs we’ve spoken to are nervous that some patients might become vocal and simply refuse to pay.   

PC: With those types I usually waive the fee and charge them $200 the next time I see them. That usually helps keep the buggers away. Although from time to time I’ll remind the patient that I’ve got some pretty expensive hobbies to maintain and every dollar helps.  

TMR: Hobbies?  

PC: Yes, for example at the moment I’m teaching ravens to fly under water. It’s a surprisingly costly and time-consuming enterprise.   

TMR: … Ravens?  

PC: Yes ravens, and before that I spent a lot of time and money teaching cats how to knit. Cats enjoy a ball of wool as much as the next man but it’s awfully difficult for them to knit because they’ve got such little hands you see.  

TMR: Ok … Professor, what about doctors who feel they owe it to their patients to keep their services free of charge?  

PC: Socialist medicine became short of breath at the start of the pandemic and federal level neglect now means it lies fish-eyed on the coroner’s table, its cold flesh marbled and its corrupted lungs filled with fluid. Altruism’s organs have been dissected, weighed and measured and under the unflinching glare of mortuary lights there are no more mysteries or miracles. It’s every man for himself!  

TMR: …  

PC:  Do you like this scarf? Mr Socks knitted it.