Opposition must act on bulk billing concerns
AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today it is time the Federal Opposition told Australian voters what it plans to do about policy to address declining bulk billing rates in the lead-up to the Federal election.
Shadow Health Minister, Jenny Macklin, yesterday called on Health Minister, Dr Wooldridge, to release data on bulk billing doctors, but offered no policy solutions to increasing gap payments for patients.
Dr Phelps said she hopes Ms Macklin recognises that the decline in bulk billing in Australia is a result of deficiencies in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and not 'greedy doctors' as tiresomely and wrongly claimed by Dr Wooldridge.
"The costs of general practice have risen dramatically, compounded by red tape and GST compliance," Dr Phelps said.
"Doctors pay for their staff and equipment, rent, updating technology, furniture and fittings, and practice costs like accreditation.
"All of these expenses are constantly on the increase, and what has been the Government's response? A one-dollar increase in the Medicare rebate for a standard consultation.
"All the research and all common sense shows that the fee for a standard GP consultation should be at least $45-$50 if patients are to get relief from bigger and bigger gap payments. This is a particular concern for the elderly, the disadvantaged and chronically ill patients.
"Nobody wants to see their traditional neighbourhood doctor disappear from the scene, but doctors are not prepared to continue to subsidise Medicare in the absence of appropriate action from any of the major parties.
"The MBS must be fixed if we are to preserve quality general practice and affordable health care for all Australians.
"The alternative is that patients will need to become accustomed to paying increasing amounts out of their household income for health care.
"Many doctors will, however, continue to make special arrangements for patients who genuinely cannot afford to pay.
"We've waited long enough. Both the major parties are aware of the problem. Voters want to see which party is serious about Medicare and prepared to fix the problem," Dr Phelps said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076