Thinking of Buying a Medical Practice in Australia? Here Are 3 Vital Questions to Ask

Australia’s general practice medical sector generates $29.1 billion in annual revenue, supported by 53,415 establishments and 99,456 workers nationwide.

Average profit margins sit at 11.5 percent, although many GPs draw income directly from profit rather than wages, making margins appear stronger than they are. Revenue is forecast to grow 2.5 percent per year to 2031, driven by Australia’s ageing population, rising chronic disease prevalence and stronger long term demand for primary care services.

Workforce shortages, falling bulk billing rates, under indexed Medicare rebates and rising operating costs continue to challenge clinics, making financial sustainability and operational efficiency key considerations for any buyer.

1. Is the Medical Practice Financially Sustainable in a High Cost, Low Margin Environment?

Why It Matters:

GP clinics face rising wage costs, insurance expenses, consumables, rent and technology fees, while Medicare rebates have not kept up with inflation. Many practices have reduced bulk billing because it no longer covers delivery costs, shifting toward mixed billing and private fees.

This environment makes financial due diligence critical.

What to Check:

• Whether profit margins are stable relative to the 11.5 percent industry average, noting wages are understated in small practices.

• Reliance on bulk billing versus mixed billing, as bulk billing viability has declined sharply.

• Cost structure, including rent, consumables, pathology room rental income and practice management systems.

• Income from enhanced primary care services, chronic disease management plans and other value adding services.

• Patient attendance trends, noting delayed care has increased due to cost of living pressures.

2. How Competitive and Well Positioned Is the Practice in Its Catchment?

Why It Matters:

Location is one of the most important factors for GP practices. Clinics near population centres, hospitals and transport enjoy stronger demand. Fragmentation is high, with most practices operating as small sole proprietorships, limiting economies of scale.

Workforce availability is now a key competitive differentiator, especially given shortages of qualified GPs, particularly in rural and regional areas.

What to Check:

• Demographic profile of the catchment, especially the proportion of patients aged over 65, who generate 35 percent of GP revenue.

• Local competition, including nearby clinics, urgent care centres, hospitals and telehealth providers.

• Staffing stability, especially reliance on locums or internationally trained doctors.

• Relationships with allied health, specialists and pathology providers, which deepen patient loyalty.

• Capacity and throughput ability, including whether the clinic can increase patient volume without compromising care.

3. Is the Practice Positioned for Long Term Healthcare and Regulatory Trends?

Why It Matters:

The industry is undergoing major change driven by technology, chronic disease, population ageing and government reforms. Practices aligned with these trends will have stronger long term potential.

Telehealth remains embedded in the system, chronic disease volumes are rising, and hybrid care models are becoming standard.

What to Check:

• Digital capability, including telehealth systems, online booking platforms and My Health Record integration.

• Readiness for the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP) beginning in late 2025, offering an additional 12.5 percent revenue on eligible bulk billed services.

• Ability to deliver chronic disease management, mental health services and enhanced primary care, all of which are fast growing segments.

• Compliance with regulatory requirements, professional accreditation and Medicare rules.

• Plans to address GP workforce shortages through recruitment, incentives or training pathways.

Ready to Invest in a Thriving Medical Practice Business?

With strong long term demand driven by demographics and chronic illness, medical practices remain one of Australia’s most resilient service industries.

Success depends on strong financial management, strategic billing models, efficient clinical operations and the ability to attract and retain qualified GPs in a competitive environment.

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