WeCare Health, a medical practice in Bathurst, announced it will implement universal bulk-billing starting November 1, 2025. This decision, influenced by the rising cost of living and the need for equitable healthcare access, aims to alleviate financial pressures on families seeking medical care.
The initiative is supported by the Australian government through its Bulk-Billing Practice Incentive Program. Dr Pavan Phanindra, a representative of WeCare Health, emphasized the significant community benefits associated with this transition. He noted that the founding principles of WeCare Health focus on accessibility, as the practice was the first in Bathurst to operate seven days a week from its inception.
“The foundation was to prevent emergency department presentations,” Dr Phanindra stated. The shift to universal bulk-billing aligns with this goal, making healthcare more affordable during challenging economic times. “One of the factors that we are seeing is obviously that there is definitely the cost of living pressures on families, and there is also health inequity, which is being a bit of a challenge,” he added.
The decision to adopt universal bulk-billing followed consultations with all staff members at WeCare Health, who agreed that the move would prioritize community benefits. Dr Phanindra highlighted that this change could lead to a healthier and more resilient community by reducing financial barriers to accessing preventative healthcare.
With the new system in place, nearly 100 percent of consultations will be bulk-billed, compared to approximately 85 percent prior to the implementation. Dr Phanindra explained that most Medicare-eligible services, including GP management plans, mental health care plans, and standard consultations, will be covered under this initiative.
“[Bulk-billing] can probably help us to do more cardiovascular health assessments, probably diabetes prevention, risk assessment, more skin checks,” Dr Phanindra said. He believes this focus on preventative and holistic care will significantly enhance the well-being of patients.
The transition to universal bulk-billing at WeCare Health marks a significant step towards making healthcare more accessible to the Bathurst community. As families face ongoing financial challenges, this initiative aims to ensure that quality medical care is available without the burden of out-of-pocket expenses.
