Seeing a doctor just to get a clear blood test result is one of the gripes uncovered by a review to weed out wastage in the Medicare system.
An interim report from the Medicare Benefits Schedule review ordered by Health Minister Sussan Ley last year has identified unnecessary tests and surgeries and GP consultations for sick leave certificates and repeat prescriptions as areas of concern.
Ms Ley insists the review is not about saving money but reforming the system.
"If the government is paying effectively too much for small appointments that aren't necessarily adding to a person's overall health... that money does need to be reinvested," Ms Ley told ABC radio on Tuesday.
"I don't want to see inefficiency in the health system."
Australian Medical Association president Michael Gannon has hit out at suggestions that going to a GP for a repeat prescription is a waste of time.
"The reality is that this represents a health promotion opportunity, every time you walk in to see a GP," he told ABC TV.
"We support any initiatives to see a more efficient health system.
