Govt ‘urgently’ redesigning bulk-billing changes, AMA says, as GPs warn of paperwork hell from 1 July
Dr Danielle McMullen says the government has mismanaged the rollout of changes to the assignment of benefit system.
The Federal Government is “urgently” redesigning controversial new ‘assignment of benefit’ rules that start in two weeks, following criticism from GPs, the AMA president says.
From July, GP practices will be forced to obtain written consent — digitally or on paper — from a patient or their representative for each bulk-billed consultation so the Medicare rebate can go to the GP.
Every agreement must be stored for two years.
GPs have warned that the changes mean extra administration, especially for GPs working in aged care, who would have to chase family members to authorise bulk-billing for patients with cognitive impairment.
