DOCTORS REFORM SOCIETY

Media Release

Monday, 2 January 2006

AMA PUTS DOCTORS FIRST, PATIENTS LAST

“Reports that the AMA objects to doctors being forced to detail charges for private hospital admissions is a sad indication that the AMA puts doctors’ interests first and patients interest last,” said Dr Tim Woodruff, President of the Doctors Reform Society.

“A voluntary code currently in place has left 20% of patients not being told the out of pocket bill they will receive at the end of their hospitalisation and it seems the AMA isn’t too worried about that 20% of patients,” said Dr Woodruff.

“Unfortunately some doctors need coercion to put patients interest first and the voluntary code is simply not working so it is high time the Government acted,” said Dr Woodruff.

Dr Tim Woodruff

President

Doctors Reform Society