The Federal Department of Health says it is still investigating more than 300 GP practices which are allegedly charging pathology companies bloated rents for co-located collection centres.

Over the last 12 months, ‘please explain’ letters have been issued to more than 414 GP practice owners asking them to justify their rental deals. 

A majority have responded to the demand and the department says it has discovered 85 have no immediate case to answer.

In an email to the Australian GP Alliance — the GP owners’ lobby group — the department did not reveal how many practices had reduced their rental agreements to ensure they don’t fall foul of the law.