From 1 November, all patients at Springs Medical in Daylesford will be able to see their GP without out-of-pocket costs, as the clinic transitions to full bulk billing under new federal incentives designed to strengthen Medicare and improve access to primary care.
The move follows the Australian Government’s introduction of the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP), which offers additional payments to general practices that bulk bill all Medicare-eligible patients. The new scheme, part of an $8.5 billion national investment, begins on 1 November 2025 and is expected to increase bulk billing rates across regional Australia.
Springs Medical is among the first regional practices in Victoria to commit to full bulk billing. The change means that from next month, all eligible GP consultations at the clinic will be billed directly to Medicare, with no patient gap fee. The change applies to Springs Medical clinics in Daylesford, Trentham and Kyneton.
Clinic co-owner Dr Holly Lewis said the decision was guided by community need. “We’re often the only clinic in town, and we don’t want our patients punished for living in the country,” Dr Lewis said. “Bulk billing is the right thing to do for our community. It means our patients can get the care they need and won’t put off seeing their doctor.”
The new government incentive provides a 12.5 per cent bonus payment to practices that bulk bill all eligible services. The payment is designed to help offset rising operational costs for practices and encourage universal access to GP care.
Local GP and clinic co-owner Dr Brad Wyer welcomed the changes. “We haven’t seen this kind of investment in primary care for a really long time,” he said. “It’s a real boost for regional general practice and helps us keep care affordable for everyone.”
Member for Ballarat Catherine King, who visited the clinic this week, said the transition would benefit the Daylesford and Hepburn Springs communities. “It’s great to see another local clinic supporting its patients with bulk billing,” Ms King said. “Free GP visits are an important part of a healthy community.”
The federal government’s reforms are expected to deliver millions of additional bulk-billed consultations each year and support more practices, particularly in rural and regional areas, to offer care with no gap fee.
Springs Medical’s decision will make it easier for local patients to see their doctor without financial barriers and aligns with national efforts to strengthen Medicare and improve access to essential healthcare.
This article is based on a media release from the office of Member for Ballarat, Catherine King.
