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Bulk billing decline: double whammy for patients

AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today that confidential government papers reported in The Australian highlight that patients have been hit with a double whammy - higher costs for basic health care and not enough doctors to deliver the care the community needs.

Dr Phelps said successive Governments have failed to recognise the demise of Medicare and its effect on the community.

"Not only are patients now being asked to contribute more of their household income to pay for their health and the health of their families, the Government has allowed a serious shortage of doctors to develop," Dr Phelps said.

"Affordable, equitable access to health care - particularly for low income, aged and rural Australians - is fast becoming a thing of the past.

"For years, Governments have failed to properly fund Medicare and the Australian community is now facing the consequences.

"Government inaction has meant that bulk billing has passed its 'use by date'. Misguided Government policies have led to communities losing their GPs.

"Medicine has lost its appeal as a professional career. Few doctors are recommending their children study medicine. Our brightest and best students - those who would normally pursue a medical career - are taking other career options. We are losing our next generation of doctors.

"The time has come for comprehensive policy prescriptions from both sides of politics for long-term solutions.

"Patients - voters - must be confident they can see a doctor locally when they need care and that they can afford to pay for that care.

"These are complex problems that need intelligent policy responses addressing workforce issues rather than point scoring and bickering between the political parties. It is unlikely the bulk billing decline can be arrested, let alone turned around. Bulk billing is effectively dead.

"Thought must now be given to policies that ensure the disadvantaged - the elderly, pensioners, unemployed, the chronically ill, and low income families - can maintain ready access to basic health care.

"If not, the Australian health system will have two branches - one for the haves and one for the have-nots, where the have-nots will find it difficult to see a doctor. The Australian public and the medical profession won't accept that," Dr Phelps said.

CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761

Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306

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