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More medical groups support the AMA Informed Financial Consent Guide

A further 12 new medical groups have joined with the AMA and 16 other leading medical organisations to sign up to a guide aimed at empowering patients with important information to understand medical costs. 

Peak bodies representing paediatric surgeons to pathologists, ophthalmologists to oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and anaesthetists to sport and exercise physicians have signed up to the Informed Financial Consent: A Collaboration Between Doctors and Patients guide. 

The guide gives patients confidence to discuss and question fees with their doctors before their treatment, lessening the chance of unexpected bills afterwards. 

“Out-of-pocket medical bills are not the major cause of discontent for patients - unexpected gaps are the problem,” AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid said. 

“The Informed Financial Consent (IFC) guide gives people clear, easy-to-understand information to help them navigate the health system and empowers them to ask the right questions of their doctors and practice managers. 

Dr Khorshid highlighted that the fact so many diverse medical groups have agreed to partner on this guide and promote it to their members and patients sends a very strong signal that the whole medical profession is committed to greater transparency on fees and the cost of quality medical care and treatment. 

“It is rare to see such a convergence of support for a single document and demonstrates that the IFC guide is seen as a major step in building health financial literacy for patients, Dr Khorshid said.  

The AMA and the 28 medical groups are promoting and disseminating the guide through their memberships. It is available from doctors, medical practices, the AMA website, and the websites of other medical organisations. 

Informed Financial Consent: A Collaboration Between Doctors and Patients is available here 

Read the full media release here 

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