There has been strong concern from some residents, who say the centre is further burdening the region's most vulnerable. 

But general manager Lynda Poke said the changes had come after significant Medicare funding reductions. 

Concession card holders will be charged a gap or co-payment of $20 to $30 for every second visit. 

Fees will also rise from $5 to $10 for non-concession card holders, depending on the time of visit. 

In addition, all patients may be charged for some services and consumables, like dressings and PAP tests. 

Ms Poke said doctors may reduce or waiver out of pocket fees in exceptional circumstances, such as those with chronic conditions or emergency situations. 

However one resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she had major concerns at how the sick and elderly were being treated.

She said she had many friends who were unable to afford the extra cost and were not willing to "beg for an exemption".

"The concession card holders are the ones who are paying these added charges," she said.

"Now we are asked to go down on bended knee for a doctor to waive it and that makes us feel more poor and disadvantaged."

Other people have outlined similar concerns, urging Springs Medical Centre to reconsider its decision. 

However Ms Poke said it was a necessary step. 

She said the indexation to the Medicare rebate was frozen in 2013/14, but the CPI for health services increased by five per cent. 

"We bulk billed 80 per cent of our patients in that year, so that's where the expenses have increased," Ms Poke said. 

"People talk about the future reduction in government funding for Medicare, but that funding has already been reduced in last two years."

She said added costs also came with providing emergency care for Daylesford Hospital, home visits, visits to nursing homes in Daylesford and Trentham, and an adolescent health clinic in addition to the general practice.