AMA secures stronger clinical input into cost transparency reforms

Here at federal AMA, we are continuing to play a central role in shaping the development of the government’s out-of-pocket costs transparency initiative.  

AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen and Vice President A/Prof Julian Rait attended the latest consultation forum on 18 May, where the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing provided an update on the progress of the next phase of implementation of the Medical Cost Finder website.   

The forum focused on key elements of the reform, including ongoing website and system upgrades, how stakeholder input could be included in the development of the methodology underpinning indicative fee information, and the design of review processes for published data.   

Importantly, we have secured several opportunities to ensure the medical profession remains closely involved in the design and operation of the system.  

These include:  

• ongoing consultation with craft groups ahead of data publication and refresh cycles  

• the opportunity to provide input into the development of the methodology used to calculate indicative fees and out-of-pocket ranges  

• involvement in shaping the internal review process, including what information is required to support a review request  

• greater transparency on how data will be calculated and presented, including worked examples for clinicians  

• continued consultation throughout the remaining implementation phase.  

These commitments represent a significant step forward in ensuring cost transparency reforms are clinically informed and workable in practice.  

We also highlighted the complexity of developing a methodology that balances meaningful consumer information with patient privacy, particularly where data granularity may increase the risk of re-identification.   

At the forum it was also made clear the website will not be able to provide a quote, but rather be a first step for patients to speak to their medical team for informed financial consent. It was acknowledged that while the website might be able to provide a price range for specific procedures, it may struggle to provide detail on a health journey.   

The department confirmed that further work is underway on data governance, analysis, and website redevelopment, with stakeholder consultation to continue as the reforms progress.   

While we recognise the progress that has been made in securing a stronger role for the profession, work remains ongoing. The Health Legislation Amendment (Improving Choice and Transparency for Private Health Consumers) Bill 2026 is before Parliament, and we continue advocate for targeted amendments to ensure the scheme is fair, accurate, and does not create unintended consequences for patients or clinicians.   

The AMA will continue to engage closely with the government and stakeholders as the design is refined, to ensure the final model supports informed patient choice without undermining clinical practice or misrepresenting the complexity of medical care.