Objective: To understand the options available to general practitioners (GPs) to help patients experiencing economic hardship to manage their illnesses and the implications of these findings for policy.

Method: Cross-sectional survey of 134 GPs practising within the WentWest Division of General Practice and Blue Mountains GP Network in NSW.

Results: Most general practitioners in our survey encountered patients whom they perceived to be experiencing economic hardship. Of the 134 responses received (21% response rate), 123 (92%) GPs reported treating patients who found it difficult to afford health care; and 86 (64%) GPs estimated that some of these patients had: (1) deterioration in their health; (2) been admitted to hospital as a consequence of failure to take prescribed medicines; or, rarely, (3) died, as a result of failure to take prescribed medicines. The GPs usually learnt about their patients’ financial difficulties because patients: told them; asked for their consultations to be bulk-billed; or were reluctant to take medications or to see specialists because of cost. The GPs most often offered these patients bulk billed services, drug sample packs or a change to a more affordable treatment regimen.

Conclusion and Implication: GPs have limited options available to them to assist patients experiencing economic hardship. A policy response should ensure that co- payments for medications and medical care do not block access to necessary prescription medicines or services.