Health Report - Separate stories podcast The unexpected costs of specialist care
Becoming unwell is stressful enough, but now patients are fighting back on the financial stress that often follows.
Close to one in five Australians say they’ve delayed or cancelled specialist appointments or surgeries because of the cost.
On top of that, half of Australians say medical costs have caused them stress, and some report receiving unexpected bills that sometimes seem unrelated to their care.
Patients are calling on the federal government to make reforms to reduce high prices and address “bill shock”.
Guest/s
- Dr Adam Triggs, partner at economics advisory firm Mandala, ANU Crawford School of Public Policy
- Professor Jennifer Martin, pharmacologist and president of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians
- Luan Lawrenson-Woods, women's health advocate and host of the Regarding Me podcast
- Nick Verry, oesophageal cancer survivor and consumer advocate for upper GI cancers
- Hayley
- Greg Newbegin
Statement from the Medical Oncology Group of Australia:
MOGA is cognisant of the impact out of pocket expenses has on patients suffering with cancer and the significant stress this adds to an already overwhelmingly challenging time in people’s lives. When considering out of pocket expenses for our patients, we Medical Oncologists need to be mindful of the direct costs (e.g. specialist fees and drug costs) and indirect costs (e.g. the cost of tests, travel, etc). We as a individuals within the speciality have control of our own fee structure. We note the Grattan Institute Special Treatment - Improving Australians' access to specialist care, where it points out that the vast majority of Oncology services are performed by Specialists working in the public system and that the median out of pocket cost to see an Oncologist is $0 in 2023. This doesn't diminish the fact that many of our patients face significant financial pressure as they navigate their diagnosis and treatment. MOGA advocates for improved outcomes for Australian patients facing a cancer diagnosis. This included exemplary clinical care and support of our patients. We agree with many of the recommendations in the Grattan Report to ensure timely, appropriate and with minimal cost, access to Medical Oncology Specialist services Australia.
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