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Federal government incentives have influenced a rise in bulk billing services across Australia, but many patients are still paying high out-of-pocket costs to see a GP.

Bulk-billing clinics balloon across Queensland, but patients are paying more

Queenslanders spend an average of $50 in out-of-pocket expenses to see a GP. This is despite bulk-billing services spreading around the country.

  • Courtney Kruk

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The dollar could be hammered down to single-digit exchange rates in a 'hot' conflict with China.

Subsidies, sweeteners and price hikes: What changes on January 1

Long-promised changes in force in the new year include protections for cash, passport price hikes, and the arrival of Australia’s first Centre for Disease Control.

  • Brittany Busch
One policy – lifetime health cover – which was designed to bolster private insurance, now appears to be having the opposite effect.

We have a healthcare system where confusion reigns and the patient suffers

The healthcare system is badly broken, and it is consumers who end up paying, says Dr Margaret Faux in this edited extract from her book How to Avoid the Medical Bill Rip Off!

  • Margaret Faux
What if giving a patient half a Xanax before minor eye surgery qualified as an anaesthetic service under Medicare?

The Xanax mistake that is still costing Medicare millions

Medicare wastes huge amounts of money and the public pays inflated premiums – the system needs reforming.

  • Margaret Faux and Joanna Sutherland
Inner North Medicare Mental Health Centre manager Lauren Bidstrup.

Hundreds of millions has been spent to fix mental health crisis. But will it work?

Over 40 Medicare Mental Health Centres have opened across Australia in the last year, including 12 in Queensland. We visited one on Brisbane’s north side to find out what they’re all about, and who they’re for.

  • Courtney Kruk
Angus Thomson in the waiting room of an urgent care clinic. 2025 

I thought Albo’s urgent care clinics were a waste – until I needed one

I couldn’t find a GP and didn’t have five hours to wait in emergency. Luckily, there was a solution.

  • Angus Thomson
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The agency that overseas Medicare payments says more technology will help it tackle fraud.

From Medicare to unfair dismissals: Where the government is waging its red-tape war

The government asked bureaucrats for ways to cut red tape. They say new tech and AI can help make savings and stop criminals.

  • Shane Wright
Health and Disability Minister Mark Butler announced the reforms this week at the National Press Club.

Medical bills could surge in unclear NDIS shake-up

As the government looks to rein in the NDIS and create new Medicare pathways for children, parents could face thousands in new costs.

  • Nick Newling
Hayley Challita is accused of using childcare staff medicare records to fraudulently obtain painkiller prescriptions.

Childcare boss accused of using bogus prescriptions to get opioids

Hayley Challita allegedly fraudulently obtained painkiller forms in her colleagues’ names to get drugs from multiple doctors.

  • Amber Schultz and Emily Kowal

Soaring doctor fees are a pain, but medics have another problem

The cost of seeing a medical specialist can be extortionate, but there’s another reason we’re losing our patience.

  • Jenna Price