It’s no secret that finding affordable healthcare is becoming more difficult for many Australians.
If you’ve noticed the cost of a general practitioner (GP) visit creeping up, you’re certainly not imagining things.
A new report has revealed that one of Australia’s largest cities is among the toughest places to find a bulk billing GP—and the numbers are enough to make anyone feel a bit queasy.
The price of good health
Let’s talk numbers. The national average out-of-pocket cost for a standard GP visit is $43.33.
But in some Brisbane suburbs, it’s far more. Windsor tops the list, with the average cost coming in at $60.48.
Ashgrove follows closely at $58.65, then Fortitude Valley at $52.15 and Clayfield at $51.90.
For many, these prices are simply unaffordable—especially given the rising cost of living across the board.
But here’s the surprising bit: just a short drive away, the price can drop dramatically.
In Forest Lake, a standard GP visit costs an average of $24.52—about half the national average.
Other suburbs offering more affordable care include Acacia Ridge ($24.65), Browns Plains ($26.79), and Gatton ($29.05).
So what’s driving this postcode lottery? According to Cleanbill founder and chief executive James Gillespie, inner-city clinics deal with higher rents and labour costs—and those expenses are passed directly to patients.
‘When those clinics are located in suburbs that are more inner city, often the rent, the cost of labour, things like that, can be higher,’ he says. ‘And that can drive higher out-of-pocket costs.’
The real-world impact: When healthcare becomes a luxury
For many Brisbane families, the rising cost of GP visits is more than just inconvenient. It’s a real barrier to accessing essential care.
One Windsor local put it plainly: ‘I have so many bills all the time, it’s like swatting mosquitoes.’
Another patient in Inala said, ‘That’s why some of them are not going to the doctors. If they’ve got to pay $60 or $80 or $100.’
It’s a worrying trend, particularly for senior Australians and those on fixed incomes.
Skipping GP visits can mean missing early diagnosis and treatment—leading to more serious issues and larger medical bills down the track.
Transparency troubles: Why it’s hard to shop around
You might think the answer is simple—just find a more affordable clinic.
But Cleanbill’s report revealed that one in four GP clinics in Brisbane don’t even have a website. And among those that do, only 40 per cent list their prices online.
This lack of transparency makes it difficult for patients to compare costs or identify clinics that bulk bill.
‘That lack of transparency can trap patients into paying more simply because they don’t know there are cheaper options nearby,’ Gillespie explains.
In other words, you could be paying twice as much as your neighbour, without realising it.
Change on the horizon?
There may be some relief ahead. From 1 November, new federal changes are set to make most adults eligible for bulk billing. This move could ease financial pressure for many.
In the meantime, Gillespie says a little research—and possibly a short drive—could save patients hundreds of dollars each year.
‘It’s one of the clearest examples of how where you live can shape your access to basic healthcare,’ he says.
What can you do?
- Ask about fees upfront: Don’t hesitate to ring clinics and enquire about their fees and bulk billing policy.
- Use online directories: Websites such as Cleanbill can help, when clinics actually publish their fees.
- Be willing to travel: If possible, heading to a nearby suburb could mean significant savings.
- Encourage transparency: Let your local clinic know that sharing their prices online helps people make informed choices.
Your turn: Have you found it harder to access affordable healthcare?
Have you noticed changes in the cost of visiting your local GP? Are you one of the many Brisbane residents struggling to find a bulk billing GP? Have the rising costs made you delay or avoid visiting the doctor?
We’d love to hear your experiences, tips, and ideas for managing healthcare costs.
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