Release no: 030211
Date:
RURAL DOCTORS URGE
CONSULTATION ON BULK BILLING PLAN
In welcoming reports that the
Government is considering incentives in the coming Federal Budget to address
the decline in bulk billing in rural areas, The Rural Doctors Association of
Australia (RDAA) today urged the government to consult before putting its
rescue plan in place.
‘This has been a priority
issue for us for some time. Change is urgently needed to make health care more
accessible to rural communities’, said RDAA President, Dr Ken Mackey.
‘The freefall in bulk billing
in rural areas is largely because the standard Medicare rebate does not cover
the added complexities and costs of rural consultations. Many rural doctors
simply could not afford to run their practices if they bulk billed. This
situation is defeating the purpose of Medicare, which is supposed to provide
access and equity to all Australians.’
Media reports today indicate
that the Government is working on a plan to ensure people have fair and
equitable access to a doctor, irrespective of where they live. This may include
incentives for doctors to bulk bill, especially in rural and regional areas
where the bulk billing rate is lowest.
‘We’re looking forward to
seeing the details of the Government’s plan. We whole heartedly agree with the
sentiment of fair and equitable access to health care regardless of location,
and welcome any incentive that improves access for our patients.
‘However, we could not
support a scheme that required compulsory bulk billing of certain sectors
within the community if the incentive does not make up the difference in the
cost of rural consultations. The shortfall in medical workforce numbers in
rural areas is contributing to access problems which results in more disease
and more disability for rural communities—the last thing we need is a move that
forces more rural doctors out of business because they can’t afford to keep
running their practices.
‘It is essential that any
incentives for rural health are worked out in consultation with the doctors who
would actually have to work with the scheme to implement it on the ground.
‘RDAA remains ready to work
with the Government to ensure that any incentives announced as part of the
Federal Budget are implemented in a way that is accepted by rural doctors and
truly assists the communities they serve.’
RDAA
was formed in 1991 to give the rural doctors of
Contact: Dr Ken Mackey, RDAA President 02 6920 5249 or
0429 205 249