A mother walks into a GP clinic in Western Sydney, carrying her three-year-old daughter who has had a fever for days. She’s worried but also hesitant—she knows the visit will cost money, and she isn’t sure if she can afford it this week. Across the city, in the Eastern Suburbs, another mother takes her son to the doctor without a second thought. She expects a long consultation where her doctor will check everything carefully and talk about prevention.
In Australia, where you live can decide how long and how well you live. People in some areas live ten years longer than those in others. Women in Western Sydney are twice as likely to die from heart disease compared to those in wealthier suburbs. In certain communities, diabetes is so common that people think it’s normal—but it shouldn’t be. This isn’t about genetics or bad luck. It’s about who has access to quality healthcare—and who doesn’t.
For families trying to find a good GP, the system can feel confusing. Some doctors bulk bill, some charge fees, and the cost of seeing a doctor seems different everywhere. The government has recently announced changes to Medicare, but many patients are still wondering: Will this actually make GP visits free? And how do I find the right doctor for me?
The government recently announced an increase in the bulk billing incentive—a small payment GPs receive when they bulk bill children, pensioners, and concession card holders. However, this is not free healthcare for everyone. It’s just a small extra payment for GPs who already bulk bill. If your GP charges a gap fee, this change won’t make your visits free. The increase isn’t enough to cover the real costs of care, so many GPs will still need to charge fees to keep their clinics open. This means that for many Australians—especially in places like Western Sydney, rural areas, and other underserved communities—access to a good GP still depends on where they live and what they can afford.
A great GP doesn’t just treat illness—they prevent it. A good GP will check for diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure regularly, offer Heart Health Checks and screenings, ensure vaccinations are up to date, and take time to explain lifestyle changes that can keep patients well. A good GP also listens carefully and takes patient concerns seriously, rather than rushing through consultations.
A good GP looks at the whole picture, not just a quick fix. They help patients manage chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, support mental health, and talk about overall wellness. Some clinics only have doctors, while others have a team that includes nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and psychologists. A clinic with a team approach can help patients with diabetes get support from a dietitian and a pharmacist, ensure people with heart disease receive regular check-ups, and assist those struggling with mental health.
A good GP is also honest about fees. Medicare rebates haven’t kept up with the real costs of running a clinic, which is why some GPs bulk bill while others charge a gap fee. Bulk billing clinics often have to see more patients per hour just to survive, whereas privately billing clinics charge a gap to offer longer consults and better care. If a GP charges a fee, patients should ask why. Often, it’s because they refuse to rush care. Patients concerned about cost should inquire about longer consults, care plans covered by Medicare, and free health assessments.
In Western Sydney and other areas with higher health risks, people are getting sick earlier and dying younger. This isn’t fair—and it doesn’t have to be this way. A good GP can help change this by preventing illness before it happens, taking the time to listen, providing longer consults for complex health needs, and working with a team for better overall care. While the government’s Medicare changes may help some people, they don’t fix the real issue—that quality healthcare takes time, funding, and resources.
The best thing people can do for themselves and their families is to choose a GP wisely. Because when it comes to health, quality always matters.
At Rosedale Medical Practice, we focus on high-quality, patient-centred care, ensuring that people get the time and attention they deserve—not just quick consults. At Healthicare, a not-for-profit health charity, our team is tackling healthcare inequality by offering free services to vulnerable communities and helping people access prevention, education, and long-term support. Our mission is simple: better healthcare for all. If you believe in that too, let’s work together to make it happen.
