Rural mental health to decline as GPs become unaffordable

Most Australians - old, young, rich or poor, each year present to a GP for the flu, a broken arm or a mental health condition. 

The proposed freeze on Medicare rebates for four more years means it will not only impact the people treating the ailments, but will cost Australian's more to visit the doctor. 

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) have announced the freeze on Medicare rebates will lead to worsened health outcomes for the country, particularly those with lower incomes. 

RACGP member and sheep farmer, Dr Ross Wilson, Bathurst, said the concept of freezing Medicare for another couple of years would produce disasterous results. 

"Places like Brewarrina, the Darling Shire and Walgett are the top three of the five most disadvantaged areas," Dr Wilson said. 

"It's a simple thing, if the government chooses this course patients will opt to go to the emergency department or will present later (to a GP).

"If people went to the doctor earlier than they would be able to treat with prevetable action earlier on than when they present with a full blown problem." 

Dr Wilson said people with mental health issues will especially be at risk, as depression rates will rise.  

 "There will be an increased risk of male youth suicide and a possible plauge of suicidial tendencies within the community," he said. 

"Patients can't afford the gap, GPs need to maintain quality of service and pay themselves and their staff at a reasonable wage." 

Dr Chris Mitchell, North Coast, said the current rebate for a GP consultation is generally $37, when the recommended charge is $76.

"Each month the gap widens, doctors are either forced to push patients through quickly or they will present to emergency departments," Dr Mitchell said. 

"The cost of one admission to a public hospital - $422 (stated in the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority 2014), is 15 years worth of GP consultations, than to pay for a hospital admission for one day.

"It's a huge false economy not to invest in GPs, it will cost the State Government more which is really unhelpful."

Wooloolga doctor, John Kramer, said with the costs of business overheads rising, bulk billing GPs could forced to close before going out of business. 

"There will be longer waits to see doctors and hospitals would lose services," Dr Kramer said. 

"Patients would have to travel further or put off seeking help, resulting in higher demand on hospital services which are already stressed." 

Dr Kramer said it's important the Medicare freeze is sorted out sooner rather than later, as primary health care depends on, particularly in regional areas with high unemployment levels. 

If you or somebody you know is in need of help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.