A rural doctor says there’s plenty of waste in the health system, but he’s questioning whether Budget changes will make it any more efficient or effective.
The Commission of Audit recommended the introduction of co-payments for visits to the doctor, and there’s doubt about the future of Medicare Local health service hubs, introduced by Labor.
Dr Ewen McPhee is a rural GP and the vice-chair of the Medicare Local in Emerald, Queensland.
He says introducing a co-payment for GP visits will not see significant cost savings.
“There is a lot of waste in the health system, and there are many other places within the health sector where we could really have a good look at how people are given care, what sort of care they’re given and the cost of that care particularly comparatively between different specialties.
“And it’s amazing how much money is being wasted that could be saved just by some rational evidence-based approaches to delivering health care.”
Dr McPhee says all the information he’s received so far indicates that it will be business as usual at the Medicare Local in Emerald.
“We really haven’t had any concrete information on how the Medicare Local will be affected.
“We certainly have had most of our contracts renewed except for e-Health, and that we’re looking forward to continuing to provide services to rural communities into the foreseeable future.”
Audio: Dr Ewen McPhee says more consultation is needed for Federal Budget (ABC Rural)