Easier Medicare Billing A Good Idea in Need of More Work
AMA Vice President, Dr Choong-Siew Yong, said today that more work needs to be done before the benefits of improved electronic Medicare billing can be delivered to patients, doctors and the community.
Dr Yong said the AMA has been working with Government to get the new system up and running and welcomes yesterday's commitment by Ministers, Joe Hockey and Tony Abbott, to work with doctors and other industry groups to iron out remaining problems.
"The AMA made the proposals for easier Medicare claiming to the Government in 2003 on the basis that the new system would be a win for patients and a win for doctors," Dr Yong said.
"But two years down the track, it's difficult to give the thumbs up until the details of the system and associated costs are known.
"The costs of the new arrangements won't be known until Government considers a range of proposals, currently before them.
"Under the current system, patients swipe their Medicare card in the doctor's surgery. But it takes two days before the Medicare rebate is paid back into the patient's bank account.
"The other option is for patients to line up at a Medicare office to get the rebate.
"This is unacceptable in this day and age. The transaction should happen immediately with an electronic system.
"Similarly, where the patient is bulk billed the system must reimburse doctors immediately instead of having to wait for up to 14 days, as is currently the case.
"The AMA rejects suggestions that an efficient electronic Medicare claiming system will change doctors' charging practices.
"Higher patient rebates payable under Medicare Plus have made GP services more accessible and more affordable for patients.
"Patient gaps have come down by 20 per cent from the December quarter 2003 to the June quarter 2005.
"The improved system will reduce time consuming queues for patients, and costly red tape for doctors," Dr Yong said.
14 October 2005
CONTACT: Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306