Announced as part of federal government budget cuts last year, Medicare rebates would be $20.05 less for bulk-billing doctors who would receive $16.95 rather than $37.05 for a 10-minute session.

If doctors charge a fee their patients will receive $20.05 less in their Medicare rebate.

Other changes to Medicare are set to come in on July 1, if they are not blocked by the Senate, bringing the rebate back another $5 to $11.95 for a visit up to 10 minutes. 

Doctors at the Colour City Medical Practice have signed a petition against the changes saying it would increase the load on emergency departments, lead to a greater number of complications and could lead to people delaying seeing their doctor.

Speaking on behalf of the practice, Dr Katherine Fox said as a small business they covered costs including practice nurses, receptionists, medical equipment, insurance and infrastructure and Medicare rebates only partially covered those costs.

Dr Fox said the $20 cuts to level B, five- to 10-minute consultations, could lead the business to run at a loss when it came to those patients. 

“For example, if a patient requires a dressing change after surgery, this will typically involve $10 to $15 worth of dressings, as well as expert care from a doctor and nurse,” she said.

“In order to remain viable as a business, we will probably be forced to pass these costs on to all of our patients, even those with health care cards. 

“Nursing visits including Warfarin testing, immunisations and wound care are all at stake and are threatened by these plans.”

She said a large part of general practice was focused on preventing chronic illness.

“We are concerned that these cuts will stop people attending their GP, causing delayed treatment and poorer preventative care,” Dr Fox said.

“The evidence is very strong that treating risk factors and preventing chronic diseases saves money. 

“These cuts will cause an increased load on emergency departments and a greater number of chronic disease complications, which will ultimately cost both state and federal health budgets more money anyway.”

tanya.marschke@fairfaxmedia.com.au