Essential GP service on the chopping block
Concern is growing among medical professionals that Medicare Benefit Scheme (MBS) payments for after-hours visits are set to face the chopping block in the upcoming Federal Budget, in a move that could affect thousands of sick Aussies.
The National Association for Medical Deputising Services (NAMDS) has commissioned research to assess the popularity of GP home visits, after Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt claimed that the service was being “rorted” by some households.
Mr Hunt said while the government was committed after-hours medical care, they must be funded correctly, “We also have a commitment to ensuring that every service provided is genuine and that every doctor is up to scratch. I am concerned about reports that some doctors are claiming to be providing urgent services when they're not urgent at all.”
NAMDS President Dr Spiro Doukakis was quick to jump in however, saying the service actually saved money and helped ease pressure on overcrowded hospitals.
Dr Doukakis explained his position in an interview with Fairfax Media, "Doctor home visits are an essential Medicare service and are relied on by 2 million Australian families – especially carers of people with disability, the elderly and young children.”
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