If you have ever searched for a "bulk billing doctor near me" or "bulk billing GP near me", you are not alone. Finding a GP who bulk bills — especially one accepting new patients — has become increasingly difficult across Australia. Wait times are long, clinics are full, and many practices have moved to mixed or private billing.
But there is another option. Bulk billed telehealth lets you see an Australian-registered GP from your home, workplace, or anywhere with a phone or internet connection — with no out-of-pocket cost for eligible Medicare patients.
Why is it so hard to find a bulk billing GP?
The number of GPs offering bulk billing has been declining for years. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the proportion of GP consultations that are bulk billed has dropped significantly since 2020, particularly in metropolitan areas.
The reasons include:
- Medicare rebates have not kept pace with the cost of running a practice — rent, staff, insurance, and equipment costs have risen while rebates have stagnated
- GP shortages — Australia has a shortage of GPs, especially in outer suburbs and regional areas, meaning clinics that do bulk bill are overwhelmed with demand
- Longer wait times — bulk billing clinics often have multi-week wait times for non-urgent appointments, or only offer bulk billing to concession card holders
The result is that many Australians are either paying gap fees, waiting weeks for an appointment, or going without care altogether.
How telehealth solves the "near me" problem
When you search for a doctor "near me", what you actually need is access to a qualified GP who can help with your health concern. For many common GP services, physical proximity to the clinic is not necessary.
Telehealth consultations are conducted via video or phone call with an AHPRA-registered General Practitioner. The doctor can do most of what they would do in a standard clinic visit:
- Prescriptions and repeat scripts — sent as eScripts directly to your phone
- Medical certificates — emailed to you for work, university, or Centrelink
- Specialist referrals — for dermatologists, psychiatrists, cardiologists, and more
- Pathology referrals — for blood tests, STI screening, and other lab work
- Imaging referrals — for X-rays, ultrasounds, and scans
- Mental health assessments — including Mental Health Treatment Plans for Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions
- Sexual health consultations — confidential assessment, testing, and treatment
The only things that require an in-person visit are physical examinations, procedures (like wound care or vaccinations), and prescriptions for controlled substances.
Is bulk billed telehealth really at no cost?
For eligible Medicare cardholders, bulk billed telehealth consultations have no out-of-pocket cost. Medicare covers the full consultation fee. This includes any scripts, medical certificates, or referrals issued during the appointment — there are no add-on charges.
At NewDoc, all consultations are conducted by GPs who hold Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP). The clinical standard is the same as an in-person appointment. The only difference is convenience.
When should you still see a GP in person?
Telehealth is not a replacement for all GP visits. You should see a doctor in person if you need:
- A physical examination — for example, a lump, rash, or injury that needs hands-on assessment
- A procedure — stitches, vaccinations, skin checks, Implanon insertion, or wound care
- Controlled substance prescriptions — Schedule 8 medications (opioids, stimulants) cannot be prescribed via telehealth
- WorkCover or insurance examinations — where a physical assessment is legally required
For everything else — scripts, certificates, referrals, mental health support, sexual health, and general medical advice — telehealth is a clinically appropriate and often more convenient option.
What about continuity of care?
One concern people have about telehealth is whether they will see the same doctor each time. At NewDoc, your consultation notes are recorded and accessible to the treating GP. If you have an ongoing condition, your doctor can review your history before the appointment.
For patients who want to establish a long-term relationship with a single GP, in-person clinics still have an important role. But for episodic care — a script renewal, a sick note, a referral — telehealth provides fast, qualified access without the wait.
How to get started
If you are tired of searching for a bulk billing GP near you, try a bulk billed telehealth consultation instead. Visit NewDoc to book an appointment. It takes under two minutes, same-day availability is offered seven days a week, and eligible Medicare patients pay nothing.