Democrats Medicare plan no benefit to patients
AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson, said today that an Australian Democrats proposal to cap doctors' fees, as reported in the Sydney Morning Herald, would not benefit patients.
Dr Glasson said the Democrats plan indicates a lack of knowledge of health policy and how Medicare and the health system work.
"The Medicare rebate is an arrangement between the Government and the patient, and capping doctors' fees will not reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
"The Democrats proposal is worthy of only one cap - a dunce's cap," Dr Glasson said.
"They have ignored the medical workforce issues - the cost burdens on GPs and the growing unattractiveness of medicine as a career.
"Not only are patients finding it harder to see a local doctor, they are paying more of their household incomes on health because of Government underfunding of Medicare.
"Put simply, the Medicare patient rebate is grossly inadequate. It does not reflect the cost of medical practice today.
"Any serious attempt to cap doctors' fees would need to be accompanied by a capping of all costs incurred by a doctor, including wages, superannuation, medical supplies and medical indemnity.
"The Democrats cite bulk billing as a successful capping exercise. They are wrong. GP bulk billing rates continue to fall because the Government has not increased the Medicare patient rebate.
"If the Democrats want to help patients and become relevant in the health debate, they must lobby the Government to properly fund Medicare - and the Senate Inquiry is the place to do it.
"The key issues in primary health care are access and affordability.
"Like the major parties, the Democrats must put forward policies that help attract and retain doctors in areas of need and that Medicare rebates are increased to reflect the cost of providing medical services," Dr Glasson said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761