Overview of general practice and GPs in Australia
In Australia, the term “general practice” is used to describe the medical specialty that provides primary medical care to individuals, families and their communities. General practitioners (GPs) provide such services and are the first port of call in the Australian health care system. The services are usually provided within the private sector in solo, group, or corporately-owned medical practices, and many GPs, particularly in rural and remote areas, contribute their practising hours towards the public system.
Payment for professional services by a GP in the private setting is on a fee-for-service system. The universal Australian Government-funded medical insurance scheme, the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), covers all direct costs of most GP visits. The MBS is administered by Medicare Australia.
While everyone receives some government contribution, a larger contribution is provided to disadvantaged people holding a Commonwealth concession card. For example, GPs can ‘bulk-bill’ their services for concession cardholders by billing Medicare Australia directly, accepting the Medicare benefit as full payment for the service.
Related Pages
GP Salaries and tax in Australia
Overseas Trained Doctors
Female GPs in Australia
Medical FAQ
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