media releases

“Reports today that patients with mental illness will suffer under the changes to funding are misleading at best and more a reflection of powerful lobby groups anti-reform position,” said Dr Tracy Schrader, President, Doctors Reform Society.

“The Federal Government is reducing funding for some services but increasing funding for other services to a much greater extent so the balance is definitely positive,” said Dr Schrader. In addition the change in funding will mean there is a much fairer distribution of the funds with patients with greatest need being more likely to benefit.

 “One of the problems with the current Better Access Scheme for paying rebates to see a psychologist is that there is an average $35 out of pocket copayment every visit. That means the most desperate simply don’t go”, said Dr Schrader. “Another is that the scheme doesn’t help anyone who is in an area where there is a shortage of psychologists. Once again that means that many of the most disadvantaged, living in poorer and more rural areas won’t get a chance to see the psychologist.”

“GPs get paid to assess patients to see psychologists and the amount they will be paid has been reduced. For GPs who bulk bill most of their patients and want to spend valuable time doing this assessment very well, the reduction in payment will force them either to work for less money or charge a copayment, neither of which are good options. Unfortunately the figures show that quite a number of GPs provide this service ($163) very quickly compared to other services so the Government has decided to cut the rebate to $120. This type of argument will continue forever whilst the Government and the professions cling to the outmoded inefficient, unfair fee for service rebate system of paying health professionals”

 “Another claim is that many of those patients treated under the scheme are very unwell and need more treatment. This program was not designed to treat those with severe and ongoing problems.”

 “More funds are needed for mental health, said Dr Schrader. “These changes go part of the way.”

 Dr Tracy Schrader    Dr Tim Woodruff                             

President   Vice President      

Doctors Reform Society              

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