GP concerns
More than half (53 %) of Australians cite cost concerns for GP medical appointments and are going less often, given the realities of the decline of bulk billing practices.
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%)
Emergency Department wait times (42%)
Increasing out-of-pocket costs to see a GP (33%)
Over the past year, Australia's GP Net Promoter Score has dropped 16%, with this result tied to how costs and wait times are affecting patients.
Cost concerns are prevalent for one in four (26%) survey respondents, with 88% of those now paying more.
Of the 88% paying more, 19% pay up to $10 more, 24% pay $11-$20 more and 45% pay $20 more for a visit.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 20 Dec 22
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