Government Senators' Minority Report provides some ideas for Health Minister

Dr Glasson said he is encouraged by the Senators' enthusiasm to revisit the findings of the Relative Value Study (RVS), the only authoritative guide to the real value of a GP's work and the Medicare patient rebate.

"The AMA would welcome a move by Government to seriously look at the implementation of the RVS when improving its package," Dr Glasson said.

"Implementing the RVS would ensure access and affordability of health services for the longer term.

"At its heart is a solution to the workforce shortage issues.

"Policies that adopted the principles of the RVS would make general practice a more attractive career option and make it easier to attract and retain doctors in areas of need.

"The Fairer Medicare package in its current form does not provide any benefits to patients or their doctors and, as such, should be rejected."

The Government Senators' recommendation to increase the private health rebate to 40 per cent is interesting, but premature

"The AMA view is that a balance between the public and private systems is vital.

"Private health insurance must be seen as a valuable resource that is easy to use, offers choice and value for money, and consumers get what they pay for.

"The funds must become more efficient to ensure costs are contained and their premiums rise infrequently by small amounts before any increase in the private health rebate is contemplated.

"Without these efficiencies, private health fund customers would be hit with the double whammy - higher premiums and a higher grab of their taxes to prop up the funds through the rebate.

"To increase the rebate to 40 per cent would cost around $800 million.  That sort of money could be better used elsewhere in the health system," Dr Glasson said.

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

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