Taneesa Williamson Health funds welcome plan to reveal thousands of specialist doctors’ fees for the first time.
Around 11,000 specialist doctors in Australia will soon be required to publicly disclose their fees on the Government’s Medical Costs Finder website, marking a significant step towards greater transparency in healthcare pricing.
Following persistent advocacy from health funds and patient groups, Health Minister Mark Butler has announced that doctors (including surgeons and anaesthetists) will be mandated to list their charges. This move aims to empower consumers and general practitioners with clearer insights into costs before appointments.
Despite the Medical Costs Finder being launched in 2019 with a $24 million investment, fewer than 100 doctors have voluntarily published their fees to date.
“This is a major victory for consumers who have long called for greater transparency and competition among specialist doctors to avoid unexpected fees,” said Dr Rachel David, CEO of Private Healthcare Australia.
Dr David highlighted that while most specialists charge fairly, a growing number of Australians have reported exorbitant fees, including over $950 for initial psychiatric consultations. Additionally, concerns have been raised over some anaesthetists allegedly revealing their fees on the day of procedures, leaving patients with little choice but to accept the charges or risk cancellation.
“We must put an end to price gouging, particularly during a cost-of-living crisis,” Dr David added.
In regions with fewer specialists, such as the ACT, medical out-of-pocket costs have surged in recent years. By providing better access to pricing information, patients will be able to make more informed choices when selecting specialists.
“Transparency is just the first step. Australians deserve to know upfront what they will be charged, allowing them to compare costs and avoid unexpected expenses,” Dr David explained.
Notably, paying a higher fee does not necessarily equate to better care, as all Australian medical specialists undergo rigorous training to maintain high standards. Factors influencing fees often include location, local competition, and individual business decisions, rather than superior treatment outcomes.
Recent surveys underscore the urgency of reform, with a Latrobe University and Patients Australia study revealing that one in five Australians has delayed or skipped specialist appointments due to cost concerns. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics also shows a rising trend of people postponing medical care for financial reasons.
With this new policy in place, consumers will gain the transparency they need to make informed healthcare decisions—ensuring better access to affordable specialist care across Australia.
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