GP costs in NSW have risen 60% in a decade, causing one in five locals to skip doctor visits.

The out-of-pocket cost for seeing a GP in the Hunter and Central Coast regions has risen 60% over the past decade to $46.16. This increase has led one in five people in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie to delay or avoid medical consultations due to costs. Experts blame structural issues like GP shortages and insufficient Medicare rebates, suggesting solutions such as enhanced GP training, increased Medicare rebates, or using private health insurance to cover gaps.

November 17, 2024
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