Practice Partners Podcast

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In this episode of the Practice Partners Podcast, Ami and Zac are joined by two-time guest, James Gillespie - Founder of Cleanbill, to unpack the findings from Cleanbill's latest electorate breakdown report and what it reveals about bulk billing, out-of-pocket costs, and healthcare accessibility across Australia.
Together, they explore why Cleanbill developed electorate-level reporting, how transparent healthcare data is helping patients make more informed decisions, and why practices can benefit from understanding how they compare within their local market. James also shares how Cleanbill has evolved beyond a bulk billing directory into a comprehensive healthcare platform featuring practitioner profiles, accessibility information, opening hours, clinic biographies, and more.
The conversation examines one of the report's most significant findings: while bulk billing rates have increased, patient out-of-pocket costs continue to rise. Zac, Ami and James discuss the realities facing general practice, including increasing operating costs, Medicare incentives, mixed billing models, and the ongoing challenge of delivering financially sustainable primary care.
The episode concludes with an exciting look at what's next for Cleanbill, including quarterly reporting, enhanced practice analytics, and new service-based search capabilities designed to help patients find specific services such as iron infusions, chronic disease management, and other specialised care.
Key takeaways
Why healthcare transparency benefits both patients and practices.
How electorate-level reporting provides more meaningful insights than national averages.
Why bulk billing rates have increased while patient out-of-pocket costs continue to rise.
How practices can use benchmarking data to improve accessibility, patient experience, and competitiveness.
What's next for Cleanbill and how new analytics will provide practices with more actionable insights.
Associated Links
Cleanbill Data: https://cleanbill.com.au/cleanbill-data
Update your listing (free): https://cleanbill.com.au/update-listing-details
Claim your listing (free): https://cleanbill.com.au/clinic-portal
Episode timestamps
02:24 Why Cleanbill created electorate breakdown reports
04:22 What Cleanbill is really trying to achieve
08:28 Transparency, competition, and attracting the right patients
14:08 Cleanbill's new analytics dashboard and electorate comparisons
17:17 How practices can claim and manage their Cleanbill listing
20:00 Why out-of-pocket costs are increasing despite higher bulk billing rates
24:04 Medicare incentives and the challenge of practice sustainability
27:24 Funding pressures, urgent care, and the strain on general practice
35:07 How government and policymakers are using Cleanbill data
47:12 What's next for Cleanbill: quarterly reporting, richer analytics, and service-based search
Support the show
We would love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and stories to: info@practicepartners.com.au

Find any resources discussed in this podcast, and all of our other resources at https://www.practicepartners.com.au/resources/

Send us your enquiry or question directly!
Leadership Fatigue: The Silent Threat Facing High-Performing Leaders
Leadership can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. In this episode, Ami Assigal and Zac Pandur unpack the reality of leadership fatigue, exploring the warning signs, stages, and practical strategies leaders can use to avoid burnout while continuing to lead effectively.
Drawing on their own experiences in healthcare and business leadership, Ami and  Zac discuss why many leaders become trapped in reactive cycles, how teams can unintentionally become dependent on their leaders, and the importance of creating accountability, resilience, and sustainable leadership habits.
The conversation examines the progression from enthusiasm and drive through to frustration, disengagement, and burnout, while offering practical solutions to help leaders regain control, improve communication, and build stronger, more independent teams.
Whether you're leading a medical practice, managing a business, supervising a team, or simply looking to become a better leader, this episode provides valuable insights into protecting your energy and maintaining long-term effectiveness.
In this episode:
• What leadership fatigue is and why it affects so many leaders
• The five stages of leadership fatigue and how to recognise them
• Common signs of burnout and emotional exhaustion
• Why leaders often unintentionally create team dependency
• The role of accountability and ownership in high-performing teams
• Practical communication strategies for difficult conversations
• How to navigate resistance to change and maintain momentum
• Building leadership systems that reduce stress and improve outcomes
Key Takeaway:
Leadership fatigue rarely happens overnight. It develops gradually through repeated stress, poor boundaries, and excessive dependence from teams. The most effective leaders recognise the warning signs early, communicate clearly, empower others, and build systems that allow both themselves and their teams to thrive.
Support the show
We would love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and stories to: info@practicepartners.com.au

Find any resources discussed in this podcast, and all of our other resources at https://www.practicepartners.com.au/resources/

Send us your enquiry or question directly!
Navigating the 2026 Backflip: Industry Changes and Practice Preparedness
Just weeks before significant healthcare reforms were due to take effect, the Australian healthcare industry witnessed a dramatic policy reversal. In this extra episode, Zac and Ami unpack the government's latest Medicare backflip, the confusion surrounding Assignment of Benefit reforms, and what practices need to be doing right now to prepare for the changes ahead.
From compliance concerns and patient communication to fee reviews, bulk billing pressures, and rising operational costs, this episode provides practical advice for practice owners, managers, and healthcare leaders navigating an increasingly complex environment.
In this episode:
What changed with the government's Medicare reform agenda and why it matters
The Assignment of Benefit confusion and common industry misconceptions
Why many practices may have misunderstood the practical impact of the reforms
Preparing for July 1 fee increases across Medicare, wages, insurances, and subscriptions
Bulk billing trends across Australia and the financial realities facing practices
Communication strategies for discussing fee changes with patients
Financial forecasting and maintaining practice viability during uncertainty
The importance of leadership, financial literacy, and strategic planning
Technology, innovation, and operational efficiencies that can support profitability
Practical actions practices can take immediately to stay ahead
Whether you're a practice owner, manager, GP, or healthcare leader, this episode offers timely insights to help your business remain compliant, financially sustainable, and prepared for whatever comes next.
Resources & Links
RACGP Webinar: July 1 Changes & Verbal Consent Requirements
Cyber Insurance Resources with Meena Wahi: meena@cyberinsuranceaustralia.com.au 
Support the show
We would love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and stories to: info@practicepartners.com.au

Find any resources discussed in this podcast, and all of our other resources at https://www.practicepartners.com.au/resources/

Send us your enquiry or question directly!
Medicare’s Biggest Billing Change in Years? What Every Practice Needs to Know
From 1 July, the way practices obtain and record Assignment of Benefit (AoB) consent is changing... ever so slightly, marking one of the "most significant Medicare administration updates in history".
In this episode, Ami Assigal and Zac Pandur unpack what the new digital consent framework means for general practice, how software vendors are adapting, and what practice owners, managers, and clinicians need to do to remain compliant.
The discussion explores the move away from traditional paper-based processes, the increasing role of practice management systems, patient consent requirements, record keeping obligations, and the potential impact on fraud prevention and accountability. Ami and Zac also dive into the often-overlooked SMS Sender ID reforms at ACMA and why practices should act now to avoid disruption to patient communications.
Whether you're a GP, practice manager, nurse, receptionist, or healthcare business owner, this episode provides practical insights into the operational and compliance changes that will affect every Australian general practice.
In this episode:
• What Assignment of Benefit actually means and why it matters
• The new digital consent requirements commencing 1 July
• How Best Practice, HotDoc, Tyro and other systems are adapting
• Record keeping and compliance obligations for practices
• Potential risks, benefits and fraud considerations
• SMS Sender ID changes and what ACMA practices must do before the deadline
• Practical steps to prepare your practice for implementation
Key Takeaway:
The new AoB framework aims to modernise Medicare claiming and improve patient consent processes, but successful implementation will require practices to understand their obligations, update workflows, and ensure their technology partners are ready.
Support the show
We would love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and stories to: info@practicepartners.com.au

Find any resources discussed in this podcast, and all of our other resources at https://www.practicepartners.com.au/resources/

Send us your enquiry or question directly!
In this episode, Zac Pandur and Ami Assigal unpack the evolving world of healthcare marketing and the ongoing debate between managing marketing internally or partnering with external agencies. From social media strategy and branding to compliance, analytics, and long-term practice growth, this episode provides a practical look into what actually works in modern healthcare marketing.
The discussion explores the strengths and limitations of both internal teams and outsourced marketing providers, including the importance of understanding your current position before investing heavily into campaigns or branding. Zac and Ami also discuss the growing role of analytics tools, the risks of poor marketing advice, and why authenticity and compliance remain critical in healthcare.
Whether you’re a practice owner, manager, or healthcare entrepreneur, this episode offers practical insight into building a sustainable and effective marketing strategy.
Key Discussion Points:
• Pros and cons of internal marketing teams
• Benefits and risks of external marketing agencies
• How to assess your current marketing performance
• Building an effective healthcare brand
• Compliance considerations in healthcare marketing
Resources Mentioned:
Google Analytics: https://analytics.google.com/
Meta Business Suite: https://business.facebook.com/
AHPRA: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/
TGA Guidelines for Alternative Medicine Marketing: https://www.tga.gov.au/
Support the show
We would love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and stories to: info@practicepartners.com.au

Find any resources discussed in this podcast, and all of our other resources at https://www.practicepartners.com.au/resources/