Berrigan Family Medical Centre in Jandakot has become the first general practice in the area to offer fully bulk billed services. The transition means that all patients with a valid Medicare card can now receive GP consultations at no out-of-pocket cost.
What Bulk Billing Means
Bulk billing is a system where the GP accepts the Medicare benefit as full payment for the service, eliminating any additional charges for the patient. This approach removes financial barriers, making healthcare more accessible to the community.
Doctor's Perspective
Dr Stefan Bodnarescu, a doctor at the centre, highlighted the positive impact of bulk billing on patient care. "Since I’ve started practising here, I’ve seen how reducing financial barriers through bulk billing has made a meaningful difference in helping patients access the care they need more easily," he said. "My goal now is to ensure we balance that accessibility with the kind of dedicated, complex care that general practice is known for, and I’m excited to be doing that work right here in this clinic."
Government Support
Federal Fremantle MP Josh Wilson recently visited the centre to celebrate the milestone. He emphasised the Albanese Government's commitment to expanding bulk billing services. "Labor created Medicare and will always defend Medicare because it’s a central pillar of the Australian social compact and vital to our shared wellbeing," Wilson stated. "Our Government is strengthening Medicare to ensure that everyone with a Medicare card can access affordable, high-quality primary healthcare when they need it."
Statewide Trends
The move reflects a broader trend in Western Australia, where Medicare bulk billing practices have increased significantly. According to recent data, the number of such practices in WA rose from 118 at the end of last year to 221 by the end of March 2026. Over the past year, the state's GP bulk billing rate for non-referred patients has increased by 4.6 per cent.
This development is part of ongoing efforts to improve healthcare accessibility across Australia, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent individuals from seeking necessary medical attention.
