Changes to Central West GP practice fees

Service fees at Central West Hospital and Health Service-operated general practice clinics have been updated in line with recent Commonwealth changes to bulk-billing from 1 November.

Central West Health Acting Executive Director of Medical Services Dr John Douyere said the Commonwealth changes were designed to expand access to bulk-billing across the nation.

Dr Douyere said all Medicare-eligible consumers, regardless of age or health conditions, were now being bulk-billed for GP consultations and procedures.

“This includes adult consumers who do not hold a concession card and who previously experienced 'mixed billing' with an out-of-pocket cost,’’ he said.

“These consumers are now eligible for bulk-billed GP consultations.’’

Dr Douyere said GP procedures such as removal of skin cancers, which previously may have attracted an out-of-pocket fee, now also would be bulk-billed for all clients.

“The bulk-billing of GP procedures is not required of us by the new Commonwealth incentive program but is an effort by Central West Health to improve access to these highly valuable services,’’ he said.

“These updates are part of our ongoing work to make sure everyone in our region has better access to affordable, high-quality primary healthcare.’’

Dr Douyere said the main changes to the Commonwealth incentive program were:

• GP consultations are being bulk-billed for all Medicare-eligible patients at Central West General Practices from 1 November 2025.
• Bulk-billing is also being extended for other general practice procedures, such as biopsies and other small treatments, to help reduce costs for patients.
• Some private services, like Q-fever vaccinations, commercial driver’s licence checks, and medical forms, will still have private fees.
• These changes are supported by the Australian Government’s Bulk-Billing Practice Incentive Program, which aims to make healthcare more affordable and consistent across the country.

Dr Douyere said further information about the bulk-billing changes was available through the region’s GP practice clinics.