BULK-billing doctors are still reporting significant numbers of patients shunning GP appointments over the planned $7 co-payment, more than a month after the Federal Budget.

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Even though the co-payment does not come into effect until July next year, GPs working in low socio-economic areas say the message has failed to reach the most vulnerable patients.

Some medical practices have started contacting patients on their databases through emails and text messages to end confusion about the introduction of the co-payment.

In an email this week, the Banyo Clinic advised patients its bulk-billing policy remained unchanged.

“As you may be aware, there has been a great deal of media coverage regarding the Federal Government’s Budget proposal to introduce a co-payment for GP visits,’’ the email says. “At this stage, the proposal has not been approved by the Senate, and currently does not apply.

“If you hold a current concession card and make a standard appointment Monday-Friday between 8am and 4.45pm, you will be bulk billed.”

A Sunshine Coast medical centre sent a text to patients with a similar message.

“Noosaville 7 Day Med Ctr advises that the proposed Medicare co-payment has NOT commenced,’’ the text says. “There are no changes to our billings.’’

Former Australian Medical Association Queensland president Richard Kidd, a Brisbane-based GP, said: “There’s a lot of misinformation out there. We need to reassure … patients that if this comes in, it won’t be until July 2015. It’s really important that patients don’t panic and stop seeing doctors when they need to because we’ll have people getting a lot sicker and ending up in hospital.’’

Dr Kidd said the AMA was not opposed to the idea of a patient co-payment when they could afford one.

“Most Australians can afford a private fee and when they pay for a doctor’s service, they actually value it more and they’re more likely to do the things that the doctor asks them to do for their good health,” he said.

“The important thing is that we also have a safety net to look after the vulnerable and disadvantaged in our society which, thankfully, are the minority.”

Source: Courier Mail