How Much Does A GP Earn In Australia

What Do GPs Earn

VR GP Jobs In Australia – Percentage of Billings or Salary?

GP earnings in Australia are usually based on a percentage of the billing revenue you create.  This is determined by the number of patients you consult – and the category of each consultation (Medicare Schedule).

The percentage of billings is usually in the range of 60% to 70%.  The variation is determined by your experience level, number of shifts you plan to work and how attractive the clinic is for incoming GPs.

Some Corporate clinics will offer a lump sum up front, then lower percentages.  The cost of this to GPs is that you are extremely “locked in” to the contract, the hours and the location.  If it does not go well for any reason – you may not be able to escape without significant financial penalties.  For that reason, it pays to talk to a variety of people, and not just swallow the promises of recruitment agents.

As a guide, your billings will range upwards from $400, 000 in your first year at a clinic.  This of course depends on both your own drive and the available flow of patients.   Read on to discover more the factors that determine your income, and one strategy to help find the right Clinic to suit you.  One new, premium clinic located right in the middle between Brisbane and Sunshine Coast has the available patient flow that allows $3,000 per day gross billings.  (It is located in a DWS Zone – which also makes it very attractive for UK doctors who have an awful set of restrictions on where they can practice. Link.)

Finding the right clinic is vital.

Make a “Clinic Short List” of Potential Fits For You

The option we suggest is to talk directly with the Clinics you are interested in joining, and avoid the agencies.  Or at least keep firmly in mind that it is their job to headhunt you to fee-paying clinics – that may NOT match your ideal situation.  Talking with individual clinic owners or managers removes the middle man, gives you a lot more flexibility in your eventual agreement – and likely will generate both a happier practice for you – and a more lucrative one in the medium and long term.

One Strategy Is To Create An Initial Set of Criteria for a Great Situation for You – And To Balance The Income Offered And Your List.  This May Help You Avoid a Regrettable Choice…

These criteria might include:

  • Full or Part Time Options.  And provision for time off.
  • Great location.  Depending on your circumstances this can mean proximity to schools, universities, availability of great accommodation, close to beaches, to restaurants, to capital cities, or whatever fits your ideal.
  • Ability to predictable generate a great income, and not be overwhelmed by hours or stress.
  • Access to Allied Health on site.  It is so much easier when Radiology, Pathology, Pharmacy, Physio and everything you require is on-site.  For some doctors, being able to stay involved with Acute Care cases – for the variety and training – is important.
  • Fully organized administration and support.  If you wanted to spend your time caught up in HR or getting maintenance done or ensuring the supply of gloves – you can get your own clinic and do that.  Many GPs are moving away from owning their own clinics – simply because you can have a better, simpler and more enjoyable lifestyle (and make at least as much income) just being a great doctor.
  • Access to professional support staff.  You need to check out the number and training levels of nursing staff that will be available to you.
  • After Hours shifts?  Check what is involved.  Similarly it is likely that in any GP position in Australia you will asked to work an occasional weekend (daytime).  For this reason you might give extra weighting to Clinics with a higher number of doctors on the team.  And then you balance that against the predictability of patient flow – to ensure that all the GPs have the level of patients they need.  Some doctors prefer to cruise through shifts, take a little longer.  Others consult at a faster rate – which does increase your billings.  Check that your short listed clinics will not be “pressuring” you.
  • Age and Presentation of the Clinic.  In a straight out comparison, newer clinics have better facilities than older ones.  Everything from the computer systems to the niceness of the consulting rooms is a factor.  You want to be practicing in the nicest environment possible.
  • Everyday Issues like Parking and Transport Routes.  You want to be able to park close to preserve you time.  Access to motorways and direct roads to your new is important when you do it regularly.