It’s been apparent for some time that universal bulk-billing is not sustainable for most GP clinics.

The only caveat being a humungous clinic, manned by an army of doctors, with imaging facilities and a pharmacy that is open for more than 12 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Now, more than any time in the past, the general practice corporate juggernaut looks set to flatten the Australian landscape unless changes are made elsewhere.

 As I have written many times, I moved here from the UK about a decade ago. When I arrived, I struggled to hold the gap fee line when patients mentioned losing their job or getting divorced and having financial worries, and I’d internally blurt out: “Bulk-bill this consult.”