It comes as the majority of general practitioners continue to charge on average $70 per consultation, with more tipped to switch from bulk billing because of rising practice costs.  

A Medicare rebate of $37 is refunded after the initial fee is charged, and bulk billing is available for some concessions, such as seniors. 

Trail Street Medical Centre owner and GP Mary Ross said their complete bulk billing was certainly an inducement for patients which worked in their business model. But a good doctor relationship and convenience was most important, Dr Ross said.

“Patient feedback is that they appreciate bulk billing,” she said. “But also there are those patients who say that they would be prepared to pay for our service.”

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network CEO James Lamerton said more doctors were being forced to charge per visit because of a freeze on the Medicare levy until 2020. 

“I was talking to a principal in Leeton who 100 per cent bulk billed, but said he had no choice but to switch over,” he said. “There’s no shortage of patients … but the more rural you get the more expensive it becomes.”

One service which is filling the demand for bulk billing is Cure Home Doctor Service, which  started operating in the city late last month. It provides fully bulk-billing home visits outside of business hours.

Mother of two Corinna Theodossio praised the quick and easy service after she used for her sick 11-year-old son.

The family recently moved from Townsville and found adjusting to the different GP services offered in Wagga difficult, Ms Theodossio said. 

“24 hours doctor clinics that bulk bill. doctors to your door are quite common there,” she said.  “When we came down here there just wasn’t that service which was really inconvenient.” 

The alternative, Wagga GP After Hours Service, only offers bulk-billing to concessions. Despite concerns the service may be affected, Mr Lamerton said it was too early to tell. 

“My guess is there will be some impact, but it won’t be the death knell,” he said.