Fed: Govt setting us up for a fall on gap diclosure - AMA

AAP General News (Australia)
04-16-2006
Fed: Govt setting us up for a fall on gap diclosure - AMA

Doctors say a government campaign to get greater levels of financial disclosure for
hospital patients is doomed to fail .. because it's being rushed.

The government appears to be moving closer to introducing legislation to force doctors
to disclose gap costs .. the difference between what a doctor charges and what a health
fund will pay out.

But the AMA says it's doomed to fail if doctors aren't given enough time for an education
campaign .. and to meet particular targets.

And AMA president MUKESH HAIKERWAL says the payment gaps aren't caused by doctors ..

but by the fact that the Medicare rebates aren't keeping pace with the cost of services.

And he says health insurers aren't disclosing the hidden costs of using their product.

AAP RTV rp/rt

KEYWORD: GAP AMA (CANBERRA)

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