Fewer Australians delaying use of health services

Fewer Australians are delaying or not using selected health services when needed compared to two years ago, according to new data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

James Eynstone-Hinkins, ABS head of health statistics, said: ‘In 2024-25, 27 per cent of people delayed or did not see a GP when needed. In 2022-23 this figure was higher, at 30 per cent. 

‘Similarly, 25 per cent of people delayed or did not see a dental professional when needed, the lowest proportion recorded over the past five years.’

Close to one in ten people, or 8 per cent, cited cost as a reason for delaying or not seeing a GP when needed, while 16 per cent considered cost a barrier to seeing a dental professional.

‘In 2024-25, one in four people, or 26 per cent, said they waited longer than they felt acceptable for a GP appointment, while two in three people, or 67 per cent, could always see their preferred GP when needed,’ Mr Eynstone-Hinkins said.

Health service use 

‘The survey found that 65 per cent of Australians living in areas of least socio-economic disadvantage saw a dental professional in 2024-25. 

‘This compared with only 42 per cent of people living in most disadvantaged areas,’ Mr Eynstone-Hinkins said. 

Experiences of health services also differed by remoteness. Nearly one in two people (46 per cent) living in major cities were seen by a GP for urgent medical care within four hours, compared to 30 per cent of those living in outer regional or remote areas. 

Less than one in four people (22 per cent) used telehealth services in 2024-25, down from a peak of 31 per cent in 2021-22. 

The Patient Experience Survey gives us a comprehensive snapshot of Australia’s health service use. The full insights into access, barriers and people’s experiences with various healthcare services can be found under the Patient Experiences topic on the ABS website.