DOCTORS REFORM SOCIETY

Media Release

6 September 2004

Doctors’ Fees set to Rise

“Doctors’ fees are set to rise under the Howard Governments’ new increases to the Medicare rebate”, said Dr Tim Woodruff, President of the Doctors Reform Society.

“The unconditional increase in the rebate (whether the patient is bulk billed or not), will mean that doctors, who believe they are underpaid, will absorb any increases for their practice and simply charge the patient more”, said Dr Woodruff

“There will be little change in the bulk billing rate and patients will continue to face financial barriers to accessing quality health care”.

“These changes are about buying off the General Practitioners just as the so called “safety net” bought off the Specialist”.

“This is an expensive exercise, which will not benefit our struggling patients. It will undoubtedly benefit many doctors”.

Dr Con Costa

Vice President

Doctors Reform Society

Dr Tim Woodruff

President

Doctors Reform Society