Australians are spending an average $83 to see a medical specialist after out-of-pocket costs increased at more than triple the rate of inflation in six years.

Health department data provided to Senate estimates in response to questions on notice shows the average out-of-pocket fee for non-bulk billed specialist visits increased from $56.80 in 2012-13 to $83.07 in 2018-19 – up 46 per cent, compared with a 14.3 per cent rise in the consumer price index.

Seeing a medical specialist is getting more expensive. Credit:Andrew Quilty

Grattan Institute health economist Stephen Duckett said the fact large increases were seen across every electorate – with the smallest increase 35.2 per cent – showed the problem of specialists inflating their fees was not restricted to a few "rogue" doctors.

"It's across the board, so it can't possibly be just a small number," Dr Duckett said.