Westbury Doctors Surgery will bring in a new billing structure from April 1 and end bulk billing.

The general manager of Your Health Connect Group Roman Kisselev said the group had avoided the change for a long time.

“We did not make the decision easily but to continue to offer as many services as we do currently and ensure the continuation of health and wellbeing for the local community, we had no other choice,” he said.

From mid-February an updated price list will be available on the group’s website at yhcgroup.com.au and the Westbury surgery’s reception/waiting room.

Mr Kisselev said the change was made because of a shortage of doctors, despite the company’s best efforts to recruit.

It was also caused by the Medicare rebate freeze and ever-increasing costs of running the practice.

“We understand the impact that this might have on some of our patients, but we can assure you that we are trying to make this transition as smooth possible, with a minimum impact on patients,” Mr Kisselev said.

“We ask you to please bear with our staff during this time and try to be understanding.”