DOCTORS REFORM SOCIETY

Media Release

Friday, 27 August 2004

BULK BILLING FIGURES SHOW OUT OF POCKET COSTS FOR PATIENTS SKYROCKETING

“Latest bulk billing figures released today show a 10% rise in out of pocket cost to see a GP just in the 6 months since Medicare Plus has been introduced,” said Dr Tim Woodruff, President, Doctors Reform Society. “In December last year the average out of pocket cost to visit a GP was $14.03, and it is now $15.37, a huge rise in just 6 months. This represents a steadily increasing financial barrier to access to basic health care, imposed by Howard Government policies.”

“In addition, the tiny rise in bulk billing figures ignores the fact that, despite an increase in the percentage of patients bulk billed, the actual number of patients bulk billed has fallen 3% in the year to June 2004, reflecting the fact that patients are not seeing doctors because of costs, or simply because they can’t find a doctor to see,” said Dr Woodruff. “Policies which have led to increased costs and lack of doctors mean our patients are not getting the health care they deserve and need.”

“Indeed, even with the tiny increase, the bulk billing rate is still 10% lower than when the Howard Government came to power in 1996”, said Dr Woodruff. “Medicare Plus has failed our patients. Some will delay their visits, some will suffer unnecessarily, some will die.”

Dr Con Costa

Vice President

Doctors Reform Society

Dr Tim Woodruff

President

Doctors Reform Society

Doctors Reform Society

For further information please contact the Doctors Reform Society during business hours

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