Linkedin
Facebook
Email
more
RSM’s Medical Services team recently attended the inaugural Rural Doctors Association of Australia’s Practice Owners (and Managers) Conference 2026, held at the Sofitel on the Gold Coast.
The event attracted hundreds of attendees, including close to 100 practising physicians looking to connect with like-minded people and gain insights from speakers from across the country.
Three key themes emerged from the event, including:
- The increasing use of artificial intelligence in medicine
- The impacts of doctor shortages
- The effects of bulk billing changes
Let’s take a closer look at the themes to explore how they are influencing regional and rural healthcare.
The increasing use of artificial intelligence in medicine
While all industries are being transformed by advancing technology, the rise of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine is especially promising.
According to a 2024 study by the National Artificial Intelligence Centre, AI uptake is typically stronger in major cities than regional areas (34% compared to 18% in NSW) – however, discussions at the conference proved this gap may not persist for long in healthcare. While research from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners also indicated slow uptake of AI in general practice, we heard many examples of how it is rapidly gaining traction both in strategic planning and day-to-day operations.
With regional practices struggling with persistent skills shortages, AI is quickly being recognised for its potential to help practice owners with:
- Mailbox management – managing incoming messages, reviewing referral reports, and allocating them to patient records.
- Clinical documentation – drafting consultation notes and summarising lengthy clinical reports.
- Patient communication – triaging enquiries and assisting with recall or reminder messages.
- Administrative support – generating referral letters, care plans, and assisting with coding for billing or claims.
More advanced practices are also using or investigating tools such as AI voice assistants that capture and structure consultation notes in real time, tools that review imaging or pathology reports and highlight key findings, and predictive tools that identify patients who may need earlier intervention.
Any efficiency gain is a step in the right direction, especially as chronically low margins continue to threaten the sustainability of general practices.
The impacts of doctor shortages
Doctor shortages are still plaguing regional and rural communities, despite a number of government initiatives designed to address the problem.
According to a recent Productivity Commission Report on Government Services, NSW had approximately the following full-time equivalent (FTE) doctors per 100,000 people:
- 115.7 in major cities
- 120.2 in inner regional areas
- 77.2 in outer regional areas
- 91.9 in remote areas
The numbers are more concerning in other states, such as Western Australia which has 95.8 FTE doctors per 100,000 people and only 58.5 in remote areas. Coping with patient demand is undoubtedly why we have seen practices cutting management fees from 35% to as little as 20%, as they make every effort to attract skilled doctors.
One potential relief highlighted at the conference is the wave of international medical graduates moving into regional and rural areas, particularly from the UK. Some attendees noted the complexities involved in relocating doctors, and the need for clear guidance on licensing, registration and other local considerations.
The effects of bulk billing changes
While not widespread, the government’s bulk billing changes have offered meaningful support to rural practices.
Those operating in Modified Monash Model (MMM) categories five and above have seen significant improvements in cashflow, which is helping to sustain practice operations. Practices in lower categories, however, have not seen the same benefits and must continue paying close attention to their cost structures.
As noted above, roughly 115 FTE doctors per 100,000 patients in metro areas still represents a significant shortfall in medical care. While future government initiatives may help make universal bulk billing more attractive for everyone, the system isn’t there yet. With the rising cost of living pushing more people into emergency rooms – at far greater expense to the government than supporting a GP visit – addressing this gap is becoming even more imperative.
Final reflections on the conference
Overall, the conference highlighted more than ever the critical importance of practice efficiency, staff attraction and retention, and robust bulk billing practices.
For practices looking to strengthen these areas, the right support can make a genuine difference.
If your practice would benefit from specialist business and financial advice, RSM’s Medical Services team is here to help. You can engage us to assist with:
- Cashflow management, forecasts and budgets
- Benchmarking practice performance
- Uncovering efficiency gains
- Evaluating new technologies
- Scenario planning and risk assessments
We thoroughly enjoyed attending this year’s Practice Owners (and Managers) Conference, and look forward to returning again in 2027.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Or to speak with an adviser from RSM’s Medical Services team, please contact our National Director of Medical on (02) 6057 3000 or your local RSM office.
