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Adelaide Uni clinic reinstates bulk billing after backlash

A controversial move to end free GP visits at the University of Adelaide’s privatised onsite health clinic has been reversed after complaints from students.

Aug 18, 2022, updated Aug 18, 2022
The University of Adelaide medical clinic has reversed a decision to end bulk billing. Photo: Tony Lewis/InDaily

The University of Adelaide medical clinic has reversed a decision to end bulk billing. Photo: Tony Lewis/InDaily

As InDaily reported last week, the University Health Practice – which the university sold to a private operator last year – began charging a gap fee to all clients from August 1.

“The Medicare rebate does not fully cover the cost of providing good quality care, the rebate has been kept at the same level for many years whilst costs have increased much more,” a statement from operator Better Medical said.

In May last year, the university sold its four general practice clinics (Unicare) in South Australia, including the practice at the North Terrace campus, to private, for-profit operator Better Medical Group, which said bulk billing at the site would continue.

But weeks after the gap payment was introduced, students say Better Medical has reversed the change.

President of the Student Union recently renamed ‘YouX’, Oscar Zi Shao Ong, said the union were made aware of the decision reversal in the most recent student engagement meeting with the university last week.

“This update followed enquiries I had made to the University regarding the removal of bulk billing by the GP on campus,” Ong said.

“I was informed that the University followed up my enquiry and had a discussion with the practise regarding my concerns and the decision was subsequently reversed.

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“This is a really positive and much-needed outcome for our students as they continue to struggle post-COVID with study, health and financial pressures, especially as the cost of living continues to rise.”

The University of Adelaide did not offer a statement on the development, instead referring InDaily to Better Medical, which did not respond.

National Tertiary Education Union Adelaide branch president Virginie Masson said she was pleased with the decision.

“We think it is a great outcome for students and we hope that the bulk billing arrangement will remain in place for the foreseeable future,” she said.

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