A number one well being economist has urged the federal government to drown out the loudest voices and keep away from fast fixes because it embarks on a significant reform of the Medicare system.
The University of Melbourne’s Stephen Duckett warned towards “poorly designed” fast fixes, together with throwing cash on the system with out structural reform, within the upcoming funds.
“Pouring money into a system which needs structural reform is not the way to go,” he stated.
“Simply increasing rebates may not (result in) increased bulk billing rates and does not progress the structural form necessary for contemporary primary care.
“The reform process must start from a good foundation and not be distracted by the loudest voices pushing for a poorly designed quick fix that will not age well.”
He added one of many points dealing with common observe was the rise in company possession of clinics, who need the “same rate of return” that they’d get from a buying centre.
The well being economist was talking alongside the Royal Australian College of General Practice president Nicole Higgins and AMA ACT president-elect Kerrie Aust as a part of a panel on the National Press Club on the way forward for Medicare.
Dr Higgins and Dr Duckett had been key members of a authorities process drive that launched a report into strengthening Medicare final week.
The report beneficial the federal government search to remodel the general public well being community to 1 that’s extra reasonably priced, “blended” and higher utilise information and digital applied sciences.
The RACGP president confused overhauling common observe wanted to be on the coronary heart of Medicare reform.
“We can no longer take general practice for granted … It is time to invest in general practice. If not, and this is the call, you will miss us if we are gone,” Dr Higgins stated.
Dr Higgins additionally cautioned NSW and Victoria towards a proposal to impose a payroll tax onto preparations with GP clinics and impartial contractor GPs.
“We have the state premiers on one hand saying we need health, let’s fix Medicare, but on the other hand we have payroll tax,” she stated.
“We already pay payroll tax including those on GPs and training. What this will do is force GPs to uncouple from Medicare, and that is already happening, and pass that cost onto the patient.”
Originally printed as Government warned to towards ‘quick fixes’ in Medicare overhaul
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
