Adelaide suburbs hit by doctor shortages and disappearing bulk billing
AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, will visit Adelaide next Monday, 21 October 2002, to meet with doctors whose communities are reeling from doctor shortages and the reality that an ailing Medicare is leading to a rapid and irreversible decline in bulk billing.
Dr Phelps will meet with more than 40 local doctors and health workers including AMA SA President, Dr Joe Levy;
Dr Alex Burridge, the new Chair of the Adelaide Southern Division of General Practice; and Dr Rhys Hennings, whose medical practice may have to cease providing weekend after hours services because Medicare no longer supports this level of patient care.
Also attending will be the Federal Member for Kingston, David Cox, who has been inundated with more than 100 letters of concern from doctors and patients in his electorate about the erosion of medical services in the area.
Dr Phelps said Medicare is failing to keep up with the needs of patients who require quality affordable health care.
"Under Medicare, patients receive a rebate of just $24.45 for a consultation that a Government/AMA study has valued at around $50.00," Dr Phelps said.
"Patients are being forced to pay more for their medicine and doctors are being forced out of medicine. This is a recipe for disaster as communities like south Adelaide lose their family doctors and accessible affordable medical services,"
Dr Phelps said.
Dr Phelps will address the Women of the Year Luncheon in Adelaide on the same day. Dr Phelps's program in Adelaide is as follows:
Adelaide - Monday 21 October 2002
7.30am - 9.00am Medical Services Crisis Breakfast Forum
South Adelaide Football Club
1 Lovelock Drive
Noarlunga Downs
11.45am Women of The Year Luncheon
Hilton International Hotel, Adelaide
CONTACT: Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472