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C.A.L.L.S: Australia's Alternative to Bulk-Billing Medicine

Bulk billing fell and then recovered, and some GPs are looking at other models regardless. This guide sets out what the sources report and what C.A.L.L.S offers, keeping claims tied to links.

Bulk billing: fall and recovery

Bulk billing fell from 88.9 percent in 2020-21 to 77.9 percent in 2024-25 and was then reported at 84.1 percent for the June 2026 quarter after the November 2025 incentive. Cleanbill's early 2025 clinic survey, reported by The Senior, found the adult rate at 20.7 percent, a different survey-based measure. The history of the rebate freeze is covered in The Conversation's explainer, and our rebate freeze analysis.

Cost as a barrier for patients

AAP reported, citing the ABS, that about 1.5 million people did not see a GP when needed due to cost. A voluntary incentive started on 1 November 2025 (ABC News), and InSight+ reported that many doctors were wary of it.

Time with patients

The RACGP's report, summarised by ABC News, found an average of 19.7 minutes per patient, up from 18.7 in 2022. See how many patients a GP can see properly in a day.

Firsthand experience, not a published statistic: GPs in many bulk-billing clinics, including GPs the C.A.L.L.S team works with, are booked a new patient every 15 minutes. Because notes, scripts and referrals are written between patients and the next patient is arriving, the time actually spent with the patient is often around 5 to 10 minutes. We have not found a published national figure for this, so please read it as experience reported by GPs, not as research.

Workforce strain

RACGP reporting, summarised on Australian Health Policy, links complexity without matching consultation time or remuneration to burnout. See our burnout analysis.

What C.A.L.L.S offers

You set your own fee, suburbs and availability; every visit is booked as 30 minutes; there is no commission, only a flat monthly membership (how it works, pricing). See what clinic owners charge GPs.

Who it suits

GPs at any stage who want control of fees and hours, alongside existing work or as a main practice. See part-time and returning GPs and the step-by-step guide.