9 January 2020 - The Medicare rebate for GP consultatio­ns is too low, prompting tens of thousands of people each year to flood emergency department­s and discouraging young doctors from training in general practice.

That’s the view of NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard, who says health systems around the nation need a “complete restructure”, starting with adjustments to ­Medicare. “Every state and territory jurisdiction is facing increased pressure on emergency departments,” he said. “Obviously one of the major contributing factors is the lack of a reasonable increase in Medicare rebates for general practitioners­. There is inadequate ­recom­pense for GPs.

“Many of them are now charging a gap fee, which for an average consultation can range from $30 to $100.

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