Major win for Aussies slugged with $950 medical bills: ‘Don't get hit by unexpected fees'
Australians will soon find it easier to locate cheaper doctor appointments and avoid getting hit with unexpected medical bills. The federal government has promised to spend $7 million to upgrade its Medical Costs Finder website if re-elected, a costs comparison website for medical specialists.
Aussies across the country can pay hundreds of dollars more than their neighbours for the same procedure, with fees varying hugely from specialist to specialist. In Perth, for example, the average out-of-pocket cost for cataract surgery is $190 but some have paid less than $20 and others paid more than $500 for the same operation.
Aussies in central Sydney who have undergone colonoscopies can pay as little as $20, or more than $680, even though the average cost is about $280.
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The Medical Costs Finder Website allows patients to see the average fee charged by every eligible non-GP specialist and compare it with the national average for that service.
The $24 million website was launched by the former Coalition government in 2019 but since then less than 100 of 11,000 medical specialists have voluntarily uploaded their fees to the site.
Health Minister Mark Butler will announce the review of the website today and said the service had been 'left gathering dust' and wasn't currently helping patients work out out-of-pocket costs.
'The Albanese Labor government will help Australians find the best value when they need specialist medical advice and treatment, by upgrading the Medical Costs Finder to give more transparency on fees,' Butler said.
The improved website would include data from private health insurers showing their financial arrangements with specialists and how often patients have to pay out-of-pocket costs.
The website will also analyse annual data from Medicare, hospitals and insurers to improve the website's information.
It comes after the government announced it would deliver a $8.5 billion funding boost to Medicare if re-elected, which it said would lead to nine out of 10 GP visits being bulk billed by 2030.The move has been welcomed by medical and private health insurance bodies.
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) said it would work with the government on upgrades to the website to ensure all information is available and existing challenges are addressed.
AMA president Dr Danielle McMullen said the group had 'long advocated for greater transparency for patients when it comes to medical costs'.
McMullen noted a major challenge to uptake was the lack of information provided by private health insurers, particularly about rebates provided for specific procedures.
Private Healthcare Australia said health funds would work with the government to help consumers get reliable quotes before they proceeded with medical treatment in the private health system.
'This is a massive win for consumers who have been crying out for more information and competition between specialist doctors, so they don't get hit by unexpected fees,' CEO Dr Rachel David said.
'While most doctors charge appropriately, we know an increasing number of Australians have been charged exorbitant fees by specialist doctors, including more than $950 for first appointments with psychiatrists.'
The group said paying more did not guarantee better treatment or a better health outcome. It has called on the Opposition to match the commitment.Sign in to access your portfolio
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