Federal Government Review of Funding Arrangements for Pathology Services

The AMA submission to the Department of Health and Ageing’s final discussion paper on the Review of the Funding Arrangements for Pathology Services March 2011 was lodged on 4 April 2011. The final discussion paper outlines the various proposals for changes to the pathology funding arrangements originally put forward by the Department and considered by the Pathology Review Consultative Committee.

The AMA submission was formed on the basis of the AMA’s Position Statement on Pathology Policy 2011 and our previous submission to the review.

In summary, the AMA does not support any of the proposals for changes to the funding arrangements. There is no analysis of the impact on patients and pathology providers if any of the proposed measures were introduced, including no overarching strategy for the pathology sector.  Consequently, it is impossible to assess whether alternative funding arrangements will improve or have a detrimental effect on the viability of pathology providers and patient care.

The Department’s final discussion paper on the review of funding arrangements for pathology services is available here. To view the complete copy of the AMA submissions on the final discussion paper, please click here.