To our valued patients,

Eaton & Australind Medical Centre is writing to inform you of our decision regarding the Australian Government’s new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP), which begins on November 1, 2025.

After careful consideration, we have decided not to participate in this new program. This decision is rooted in our fundamental commitment to providing you and your family with the highest standard of medical care.

Our Commitment to Quality Care
The new government program requires participating practices to bulk bill every Medicare-eligible patient for every eligible service. While we support initiatives to improve healthcare affordability, we must be transparent about the reality facing general practice in Australia.
Over the past two decades, Medicare rebates have failed to keep pace with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the actual rising costs of providing medical care. Since 2000, the average CPI has increased by approximately 78%, but Medicare rebates for standard consultations (Item 23) have only increased by about 36%. As of November 2025, the Medicare rebate for a standard GP consultation is $41.40, while the Australian Medical Association recommends a fee of $102 for the same service. This leaves a shortfall of over $60 per consultation.
The financial incentives offered under the BBPIP do not bridge this gap. Participation would require us to significantly increase the number of patients we see each hour, leading to shorter appointment times and a “6-minute medicine” model. This is contrary to our practice philosophy. We believe that quality healthcare requires time for thorough discussion, diagnosis, and management of your health needs. Our mission is to practice quality, patient-centered medical care, and protecting the integrity of the doctor-patient relationship is paramount.

How the New Incentive May Benefit Patients
While we are not committing to bulk-bill all appointments, the new government incentive does make it more viable for us to bulk bill shorter, straightforward appointments for all patients. Previously, discounts were often applied to our standard private fee for brief, uncomplicated visits; under the revised structure, it will be feasible to bulk bill such appointments across a wider patient group. As a result, many patients will see direct benefits from these changes, even though the practice does not adopt a universal bulk billing approach.

Continuation of Our Mixed Billing Model
Our decision not to join the BBPIP means our existing billing policy will remain unchanged.
We will continue to operate as a mixed billing practice. This model allows us to:

• Sustain the high quality of service you expect and deserve.
• Invest in our facilities, technology, and staff to provide the best possible care.
• Balance practice viability with accessibility, ensuring we can continue serving the Greater Bunbury community for the long term.

We remain dedicated to providing care for all members of our community. As such, our current arrangements for bulk billing Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card holders will continue. We will also continue to bulk bill Commonwealth concession card holders and children under 16yo.

Your family’s health is our priority, and we are confident that this decision is the most responsible way to ensure we can continue to provide the flexible, comprehensive, and compassionate healthcare you trust us to deliver.
We thank you for your understanding and for entrusting us with your care.

Sincerely,
The Team at Eaton & Australind Medical Centre