The Australians who visit the doctor most often tend to be older and poorer than those who visit their GP less, and would be hardest hit by the introduction of a "price signal", new data has found.

The data, to be released on Thursday by the National Health Performance Authority, suggests this group are twice as likely as the average to delay or decide against seeing a GP due to cost.

Health Minister Sussan Ley. Credit:Andrew Meares

While Health Minister Sussan Ley two weeks ago dumped plans to cut Medicare rebates by $5 and allow doctors to charge patients this amount, she is continuing to explore options to make more people pay to see the doctor.

But the report shows those likely to be most affected by such a change tend to be older and poorer than those who see the doctor less often, and many have several long-term health conditions.