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I needed a visit to the Doctors yesterday,after the consultation I was handed an invoice for $35.00,(I'm bulk billed) I asked why and was told it's a new annual fee they are charging. It's supposed to help cover the shortfall in Medicare rebates as they have not increased in ten years.So after thinking about it for five seconds I said I won't be paying the invoice.If i go to the doctors once that year the $35 is expensive and if I go eighteen times a years like I do, it's affordable.It's not the money ,it's the principle,the way I see it ..I'm paying so I can use their new surgery and facilities .If another medical business was to charge a fee so you can attend ,they would not last long.That probably will happen,so to attend two different doctors surgeries,there's $140. P.A. for myself and my wife extra per year to to just to visit the doctors and sit in the seats with old magazines to read.(that's a tank of diesel)Do other motorhomers have the same issues,is it common or am I just behind the times?

"tanks" here--
No such fee in Dysart, Qld and the Doc has up to date magazines for you to read.
I'd check that out with AMA.

My Dr's practice has recently moved into really flash digs and I have not been charged any extra , she bulk bills all of us oldies.

No bulk-billing in Rutherglen.
Gotta travel interstate (Corowa, NSW - 10km) to see a bulk-billing Dr.
SWMBO does, 'coz they got a female Dr. & her visits are rare.
So far, I've been seeing the local one (500m up the road)... at a cost.
When I was back & forth on a regular basis, the fuel savings were a factor. Now that I'm in remission, I need only see a Medic occasionally, so I might switch.
My Oncologist in Albury bulk-bills. Go figure...

All of the specialists I have been to over the past 18 mths have bulk billed. You gotta ask sometimes.

Presumably the Medicare Rebate for specialists is more generous than that for GPs.
Either that, or by the time they qualify, specialists have made enough $$$ and don't feel the Need for Greed (to mangle Top Gun's saying... )

I spoke to the accounts dept today,the fee is classed as an administration fee for those who are bulk billed,many of those who don't need another annual fee so you can use their surgery.The fee is $73.00,of which I have to pay $35.00 and Medicare pay the rest,by sending me a cheque that I take to the doctors,a complete waist of money and time for all involved.Medicare need to increase the payments to the doctors so all this crap is not required.................Peter.

I think you've got it wrong Peter but I guess it's up for opinions?
It's just straight out greed by the Dr's or that particular practise/clinic.
We used to have to pay 'the gap' in Kingston until I questioned it & pointed out that between both of us we were regular customers for them.
They then bulk billed. (no gap to pay)
Dare I say that most do bulk bill now since the Gov upped the standard rate for appointments.
So... in my opinion it's not the Gov but the Dr/clinic that's the problem.
I had a friend that was 'well off' & he suggested to bypass the clinic & roll up to the 'out patients' at the hospital. You usually get to see the same DR but with no fee charged! (in country town!)

Bruce,the Doctors clinic in this town has been the Doctors at the hospital for over 70 years ,there is no hospital Doctors.If you go to the hospital (out patients)and a doctor is required they come from the surgery or called in after hours.In both cases your receive an account for services much to the disgust of many patients,if you are admitted then it becomes free.Perhaps they are in financial stress,I hope not but only time will tell.It will be interesting to see if other practices follow with similar fees................................Peter.

The local hosp also use the local GP's and they also will charge if someone goes to A&E and it is not an emergency.