Tue 29th Jul 2014
Ama rolls over on copyaments: doctors first, patients second
AMA ROLLS OVER ON COPYAMENTS: DOCTORS FIRST, PATIENTS SECOND
The statement this morning on ABC News by the AMA that “We don’t have a problem with copayments as long as they’re fair & equitable” exposes the true colours of this doctors’ union, said Dr Tim Woodruff, Doctors Reform Society. Fair and equitable copayments don’t exist and the AMA knows that some of its members insist on copayments, even from the most vulnerable. The system gives doctors the choice to play god and decide who deserves to be bulk billed and how much people should be punished for being sick. But still the AMA supports such a sick system, said Dr Woodruff.
Whilst the concern of the AMA for the most vulnerable is laudable, said Dr Woodruff, their willingness to accept copayments with safety nets ignores the fact that the working poor still get slugged even with safety nets to cover pensioners and card holders. This attitude indicates that as the doctors’ union, their first priority is the financial independence of their members. The health of patients is a secondary concern.
Having expressed deep concerns about the impact of these changes the AMA are now ready to negotiate with a Government which is determined to introduce killer copayments for GPs, blood tests, and xrays and to murder Medicare as we know it and transform it into Medicare-LESS.
Dr Tim Woodruff
Vice President
Doctors Reform Society
Ph 0401042619
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