Doctors fear patients will put off or not seek medical treatment from GPs as confusion reigns after the federal government’s backflip on Medicare rebates.
Health Minister Sussan Ley said last week the government would not go ahead with its plan to slash rebates by $20 for GP consultations lasting less than 10 minutes, after an Australia-wide backlash from doctors and health professionals.
Ms Ley said the government was still committed to introducing a revised GP co-payment as part of which doctors would be encouraged to charge most adult patients $5 per consultation, but it has also promised to consult with doctors and the industry on options for Medicare reform.
One western suburbs GP clinic manager told Star Weekly patients were already struggling with the proposed changes and he feared the situation would only get worse.
“We’re worried some people will stop coming to the doctor if they [the government] introduce a GP co-payment.
“Patients are confused and are already ringing up asking if they have to pay for a consultation, a blood test or for other treatments. If a co-payment is introduced for GP consultations, more patients will go to emergency departments, which will only increase the strain on the health system,” she said.
“From our perspective, we’re a business and we need to plan, so any changes made will also affect the way we operate, particularly in terms of our overheads and staffing levels.
“We agree it [the current Medicare system] isn’t sustainable in the long-term, but we don’t agree with the way the government is going about it.”
Federal Lalor MP Joanne Ryan slammed the Abbott government’s health policy as a “complete shambles”.
“Australians should get the health care they need, not just what they can afford,” she said.
