A controversial scheme that gives Medibank customers preferential access to GPs’ clinics is part of a broader move by private insurers to extend their reach into primary care.
NIB is about to pilot a system that compensates general practitioners for certain activities, including disease management, overseeing home-based care and arranging advanced-care plans.
NIB chief executive Mark Fitzgibbon said the aim was to lower health costs by preventing chronic disease.
“What we’ve seen is this surge in spending,” Mr Fitzgibbon said. “The industry is saying we need to be more vigilant about what we’re paying and see where we can add some value.”