The Medicare system is on the cusp of a major overhaul. From 1 November 2025, new rules around bulk billing will take effect and they’ll impact how you bill, how you're paid, and how you support your patients.
In a bid to improve access and affordability in primary care, the government is introducing a new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program, offering financial rewards to clinics that commit to fully bulk billing all Medicare-eligible patients.
While the incentives may seem attractive on the surface, many in the medical community have raised concerns that they may still fall short of covering the true cost of delivering quality care.
So, what are the incentives?
If your practice opts in, you could gain access to a range of new supports, including:
- An additional 12.5% rebate loading on all eligible Medicare services
- Quarterly incentive payments, shared between the GP and the practice
- Marketing support to help you communicate your participation to patients
To qualify, your practice must: - Fully bulk bill all general practice non-referred attendances (GP NRA)
- Be registered with MyMedicare
- Publicly promote your participation in the program
Importantly, you won’t need to worry about the extra administration requirements. Services Australia will handle the data monitoring and payment process. It’s also critical to note that the program is completely voluntary, meaning your practice and its GPs cannot be forced into these bulk billing changes.
Is it the right fit for you?
For many clinics, the decision to shift to full bulk billing will involve much due diligence. To help guide your thinking, here are a few key questions to consider:
- Can your practice maintain service quality under a full bulk billing model?
- Will the 12.5% rebate loading adequately offset any lost private billing income?
- Is your team operationally ready for the transition?
- What support or adjustments might be needed
Make an informed decision.
As a practice owner, bulk billing sits at the intersection of ethics and economics. On one hand, universal access to healthcare is something most believe in. But the reality is increasingly difficult. Rising operating costs, staffing pressures, and the frozen Medicare rebate have made it harder to deliver care while maintaining a sustainable practice.
If you’re unsure whether the upcoming changes are right for your practice, now’s the time to start the conversation. We’re here to help you assess the numbers, understand the criteria, and make a decision that supports both your patients and your bottom line.
Book a complimentary consultation with our medical accounting specialists today by calling 1800 988 522 or visiting cutcher.com.au
Nicole is passionate about working with clients to assist in wealth creation and wealth accumulation strategies. Nicole takes the time to understand their goals and motivations to provide them with tailored advice. Working closely with clients to better understand their needs, she draws on years of experience to help clients achieve their goals.
