For many Australians searching online for a “bulk billing GP near me”, “bulk billing doctor Surry Hills” or “bulk billing medical centre”, understanding how Medicare and GP billing works has become increasingly important in 2026.
Recent Medicare reforms introduced by the Australian Government are designed to improve access to bulk billed GP appointments and encourage more clinics to return to bulk billing. While these changes are helping many Australians access lower-cost healthcare, they have also created confusion around mixed billing, private billing and Medicare rebates.
At Crown St Medical Centre, Surry Hill’s trusted local medical centre, we believe patients deserve clear information about how GP billing works, why some practices bulk bill while others cannot, and how quality medical care depends on having enough time to properly manage your health needs.
What Is Bulk Billing?
Bulk billing means your doctor accepts the Medicare rebate as the full payment for your consultation. If your appointment is bulk billed, you do not pay an out-of-pocket fee.
In Australia, bulk billing has historically been more common for:
- children
- pensioners
- concession card holders
- some chronic disease management appointments
However, in late 2025 and continuing into 2026, the Federal Government expanded Medicare bulk billing incentives significantly.
What Changed With Medicare in 2026?
The Australian Government introduced major Medicare reforms aimed at increasing bulk billing rates across Australia.
These changes included:
- expanding bulk billing incentive eligibility to all Medicare-eligible Australians
- introducing the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP)
- increasing incentive payments to GP clinics that fully bulk bill patients
- encouraging practices to register as Medicare bulk billing clinics
According to national health data, bulk billing rates across Australia rose significantly during the first months of the program, with thousands of clinics registering for the new incentives.
The Federal Government reported:
- national GP bulk billing rates increased to more than 81%
- more than 3,400 practices registered as bulk billing practices
- approximately 96% of Australians now live within 20 minutes of a registered bulk billing clinic
Understanding the Difference Between Bulk Billing, Mixed Billing and Private Billing
Many patients searching for a “bulk billing medical centre” are unsure how different GP billing systems work.
Bulk Billing
With bulk billing:
- the GP accepts the Medicare rebate as full payment
- the patient pays no consultation fee
- the clinic receives payment directly from Medicare
Bulk billing improves affordability and access to healthcare, particularly for vulnerable patients.
At Crown St Medical Centre, our Surry Hills doctors we offer Bulk-Billed appointments for children 15 years and under between the hours of 10am to 4pm on Weekdays. We also offer Bulk-Billed appointments to existing concession card holders, Bulk-billed appointments for Flu Vaccines. Some of our GPs and doctor may also Bulk-Bill consults for Chronic disease management plans, or for follow up for results, however this varies between doctors.
Mixed Billing
Mixed billing means:
- some patients are bulk billed
- other patients pay a private fee with a Medicare rebate returned to them
Many practices use mixed billing to balance affordability with the real costs of running a modern medical practice.
For example, clinics may bulk bill:
- children
- concession card holders
- certain mental health or chronic disease appointments
While privately billing other consultations.
Mixed billing has become increasingly common across Australia over the past several years. Our Surry Hills Medical Practice is a mixed billing clinic. For full details of our bulk-billing hours and offerings, please visit our Fees page.
Private Billing
Private billing means:
- the clinic charges its own consultation fee
- the patient pays upfront
- Medicare returns part of the cost as a rebate
The Medicare rebate is often significantly lower than the actual cost of providing comprehensive GP care.
For example:
- a patient may pay $95 for a consultation
- Medicare may return approximately $42
- the remaining amount is the patient’s out-of-pocket expense
Private billing allows doctors to:
- spend more time with patients
- provide more comprehensive care
- manage complex medical conditions thoroughly
- reduce rushed consultations
Why Many GP Clinics Cannot Fully Bulk Bill
Although Medicare incentives increased in 2025 and 2026, many small and independent practices still cannot financially survive as fully bulk billing clinics.
The reality is that the Medicare rebate often does not adequately cover:
- rising staffing costs
- nursing support
- technology and medical software
- rent and utilities
- accreditation and compliance costs
- longer consultation times for complex care
Industry groups including the RACGP and AMA have acknowledged that many practices remain concerned about the long-term financial viability of universal bulk billing.
Many fully bulk billing clinics rely on:
- high patient volume
- shorter consultations
- rapid appointment turnover
- walk-in types services with unpredictable wait times
This model can work well for simple issues such as:
- repeat prescriptions
- medical certificates
- quick acute illnesses
However, complex healthcare often requires more time.
Patients managing:
- chronic disease
- mental health concerns
- preventative health
- women’s health
- elderly care
- multiple medical conditions
often benefit from longer consultations and continuity of care.
Why Appointment Time Matters
At Crown St Medical Centre, our Surry Hills doctors prioritise allocating appropriate consultation time to properly manage your healthcare needs.
Quality general practice medicine is about more than simply processing appointments quickly.
Our team of Surry Hills doctors aim to provide:
- personalised care
- continuity with your regular GP
- preventative healthcare
- chronic disease management
- careful assessment and follow-up
- comprehensive treatment planning
Longer consultations allow doctors to:
- address multiple concerns safely
- reduce missed diagnoses
- coordinate specialist care
- manage complex conditions thoroughly
- build long-term therapeutic relationships with patients
This approach supports better long-term health outcomes for patients and families.
When our Surry Hills Medical Practice Doctors Will Bulk Bill
At Crown St Medical Centre, our doctors Bulk-Bill children 15 years and under between 10am to 4pm on Weekdays. We Bulk-bill existing concession card holders, Flu vaccine & Covid vaccine consultation, we also Bulk bill selected patient appointment types at the Doctor’s discretion. Please see our billings page for more information.
Patients are encouraged to speak with reception regarding current billing arrangements and eligibility criteria.
Why Many Patients Still Search for “Bulk Billing GP Near Me”
Cost-of-living pressures continue to drive strong demand for affordable healthcare.
Searches such as:
- “bulk billing GP near me”
- “bulk billing doctor Surry Hills”
- “bulk billing medical centre”
remain highly competitive online because patients are actively seeking lower out-of-pocket healthcare options.
At the same time, many Australians are also prioritising:
- quality care
- experienced doctors
- continuity of care
- longer appointments
- personalised medical support
This has contributed to the growing popularity of mixed billing practices that aim to balance affordability with high-quality medical care.
The Future of Bulk Billing in Australia
The Federal Government’s Medicare reforms have already increased bulk billing rates nationally.
However, healthcare experts continue to debate whether current Medicare rebates are sufficient to support long-term sustainable bulk billing for smaller community practices.
Many independent GP clinics believe that maintaining quality patient care requires:
- adequate consultation time
- sustainable practice funding
- investment in experienced staff and systems
- reduced pressure for “six-minute medicine”
- unpredictable and often lengthy wait times
For patients, this means understanding that while fully bulk billing clinics may suit some healthcare needs, comprehensive long-term medical care often requires a more sustainable mixed billing model.
Looking for a GP in Surry Hills?
If you are searching for:
- bulk billing GP near me
- bulk billing doctor Surry Hills
- trusted Surry Hills GP clinic
- experienced family doctor in Surry Hills
Crown St Medical Centre – Surry Hills local medical practice provides comprehensive, patient-focused medical care with an emphasis on quality consultations, continuity of care and personalised healthcare management.
Our team is committed to delivering thoughtful, evidence-based medical care while ensuring patients receive the time and attention their health deserves.
Click here, to book an appointment now.
Crown St Medical Centre is Surry Hills trusted medical centre, established for over 10 years. We have been serving the local community of Paddington, Woollahra, Redfern, Waterloo, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and inner Sydney CBD and beyond.
We welcome new patients and look forward to providing quality care.
Date: 27 May 2026
Crown St Medical Centre, Surry Hills
