Community & Business
26 June, 2021
July 1 Medicare changes bring doctors concern
HUNDREDS of Australians could be left out of pocket for essential health care services after changes to Medicare items.
HUNDREDS of Australians could be left out of pocket for essential health care services after changes to Medicare items.
Set to take affect from July one this year, over 900 Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for rebates for private surgery are set to be changed.
Several changes will be made to the current 5,700 strong list of rebates this includes adding, deleting and amending items, mainly to do with orthopedic and general surgery and heart services.
With the changes being announced less than a month from when they take effect, doctors are concerned that there was not enough time given to effectively implement the changes.
Speaking to the ABC the Australian Medical Association said they support the changes to the MBS but is concerned that the private healthcare sector will not be ready for the July 1 changes.
“We still do not have all the information we need to assess and change over our schedules and payment processes to reflect the changes,” AMA president Omar Khorshid said.
“We simply don't know what the rebates from funds will be, as they haven't had the time to prepare and release them in advance including for surgeries already booked for next month.”
