GPs to charge gap for Better Access Program
The AMA has prepared a template letter that GPs can use to tell patients why they will face out of pocket expenses for mental health services under the Better Access Program.
The letter (link) explains that the Federal government reduced Medicare rebates for
GP mental health services by up to 49 per cent in the last budget, and the changes take effect from 1 November 2011.
The AMA says it supports GPs in charging fees that reflect the cost of providing patients a safe and high quality service, and that this will result in some patients facing an out of pocket expense for the first time for GP mental health services.
The template letter states that the practice unfortunately cannot lower fees to match the significant reduction in Medicare rebates implemented by the Government.
“The fees that this practice charges for our services reflect the cost of providing you with a safe and high quality service and the time that needs to be spent in caring for your health needs,” it says.
It also advises patients that if they wish to let the government know that they are unhappy with its decision, they can contact the Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon.
A recent survey by the AMA found that up to 50% of GPs would be forced to maintain their current fee and charge patients a gap, and up to 28% of GPs would stop using Medicare GP Mental Health Treatment items.
About six out of ten GPs thought the Budget cuts would lead them to spend less time with patients with mental health problems.
The AMA has meanwhile written to Health Minister Nicola Roxon calling for a moratorium on the Budget cuts to GP mental health services.
AMA president Dr Steve Hambleton said that a Senate Community Affairs Reference Committee – which received more than 1000 submissions – is currently looking into the Government’s handling of mental health services and is not due to report until 20 October.
“This leaves very little time for serious consideration of the Senate Committee report,” Dr Hambleton said.
