Data from the RACGP indicates that in 2024, GPs spent an average of 18.7 minutes per patient, with female GPs spending slightly more time than their male counterparts.

Dr. Samantha Saling emphasizes that understanding a patient's history requires adequate time, often leading to longer initial consultations for new patients.

Assistant Health Minister Ged Kearney is actively addressing medical misogyny and updating the National Women’s Health Strategy.

Dr. Michael Wright, president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, warns that the current Medicare system discourages longer consultations, which are crucial for women's health.

An investigation revealed that nearly 1,700 women felt dismissed or ignored in healthcare settings, highlighting ongoing issues of medical misogyny.

Dr. Jillann Farmer argues that improved funding alone won't eradicate medical misogyny, which is deeply ingrained in societal perceptions of women's health.

In response, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) are advocating for an additional $1 billion in annual funding for longer consultations.

The RACGP has proposed a 40% hike in rebates for longer consultations to reduce emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

In February 2025, the Albanese government announced over $573 million for women's health initiatives, which include reduced costs for contraceptives and new menopause assessment rebates.

However, the government's proposed $8.5 billion plan to increase Medicare payments may inadvertently disadvantage women by favoring shorter appointment lengths.

Under this proposal, appointments lasting 20 to 39 minutes will see a 38% funding increase, while shorter consultations will receive a 62% boost.

As Medicare rebates lag behind the costs of care, some clinics are limiting discussions to one issue per appointment, exacerbating patient care problems.