Statistics show fewer patients delaying GP care as general practice becomes more accessible

New Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows patients are finding their GPs to be more accessible, affordable, and providing the time and care they expect. 

The ABS Patient Experiences data report for the 2024–2025 financial year found: 

• more Australians saw a GP (83.4%), and almost every patient was able to see a GP when they needed to (99.0%, up from 98.9% in 2023–24) 

• two thirds of patients could always see their preferred GP (67.2%, up from 66.4% in 2023–24)  

• fewer Australians delayed or did not see a GP when they needed to (26.6%, down from 29.2%) 

• fewer put off seeing a GP due to cost (7.7%, down from 8.8%), including young patients aged 15–34 (11.1%, down from 13.2%) 

• three quarters of patients reported their GP always spent enough time with them (74.2%, up from 72.1% in 2023–24). 

Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) President Dr Michael Wright said the data shows GP access is improving.   

“Nearly all Australians – literally 99% – can see a GP when they need to, and usually see their preferred GP,” he said. 

“That’s essential. When you see a specialist GP who knows you and your history, you don’t need to start from the beginning. Your GP knows what you came in for last time, what medications you take and why, and what screening you should be doing to catch issues early. There’s no substitute for that care.” 

Dr Wright also said the drop in people delaying GP care because of cost is a ‘great sign’, especially in the 15–34 age group.  

“Young people face higher costs at a time of higher mental health challenges, but good health at that age sets you up for a healthy life. It also reflects our recent Health of the Nation report – access to affordable GP care remains high,” he said.  

“It’s also another datapoint showing GPs are spending longer with patients. The typical GP consult is now almost 20 minutes and has increased by 11% over the past three years due to more patients needing more complex care.  

“It’s heartening that more patients are reporting their GP spends the time with them they need, but the patients less likely to report their GP spends enough time with them are in less-advantaged areas and live with chronic conditions.  

“These are the patients who most need higher Medicare funding for longer consultations. Research consistently shows patients who can spend the time they need to with their GP are less likely to need hospitalisation.  

“State-funded hospital systems are costing more and yet waiting lists and ramping remain, and patients repeatedly needing hospitalisation are a major reason why. Presentations to emergency departments are increasing by around 2.3% per year, and these are patients disproportionately from our most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. 

“Emergency department wait times vary by state and hospital, but one thing is consistent – too many hospital beds are occupied by patients with chronic illnesses due to too little investment in preventive care by GPs. 

“If we want a resilient health system and cost-effective hospital system, there’s a simple answer. Increase Medicare funding for long consults so patients can spend the time they need with their GPs.” 

~ENDS