{"id":16248,"date":"2025-01-19T02:40:52","date_gmt":"2025-01-19T02:40:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dnamedicalrecruitment.com.au\/?p=16248"},"modified":"2025-04-29T02:42:33","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T02:42:33","slug":"what-factors-influence-gp-earnings-in-australia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dnamedicalrecruitment.com.au\/what-factors-influence-gp-earnings-in-australia\/","title":{"rendered":"What factors influence GP earnings in Australia?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Working as a general practitioner in Australia can make for a long and rewarding career, with high average pay compared other sectors plus varied, interesting work.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

But, one thing we often see in our experience as healthcare recruiters is GPs not earning as much as they could. To help you understand how your pay compares to its potential, we\u2019ve put together this list of the top factors influencing doctor pay in the country.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. Understanding the system<\/h2>\n

The way you charge Medicare could be affecting your income \u2013 and in fact, this is one of the most common things we see among Australian doctors that holds back their pay.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not long ago, <\/span>a University of Sydney analysis<\/span><\/a> revealed that GPs were significantly more likely to undercharge Medicare than overcharge, resulting in $351.7 million in missed charges. All totalled, the university\u2019s respondents undercharged about 11.8% of all consultations.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But why is this happening?<\/h3>\n

\u201cAllegations of fraud have been damaging to a workforce that is struggling to attract medical graduates to general practice,\u201d said the survey\u2019s lead author, Dr. Christopher Harrison.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c[…] we believe that a major reason GPs undercharge, even for long consultations, is the fear of being audited.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What should you do differently?<\/h3>\n

Generally speaking, a fear of being caught doing something wrong should never hold you back from doing everything right. But, we understand that, where an audit is involved, it can seem safer to err on the side of caution.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to explore whether or not this problem is affecting your practice, we recommend seeking the advice of a relevant business advisor with Medicare experience.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Special Interests and Advanced Skills<\/h2>\n

An Australian GP pursuing an area of Special Interest or formal training in Advanced Skills (Rural Generalism) may find they can access higher income streams.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Special Interests<\/h3>\n

GPs with Special Interests are those who have developed skills in a particular area of health through informal training, CPD or clinical exposure \u2013 for example, LGBTQIA+ health, sexual health or herbal medicines.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n