Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis defends Medicare changes

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GILMORE MP Ann Sudmalis has vigorously defended the federal government’s proposed changes to Medicare.

“Better treatment and better overall health for Australians is the objective of this policy,” Mrs Sudmalis said.

Although she wanted to discuss the issues with local GPs before making a full statement, she insisted the most vulnerable and the most ill would not be paying more for their healthcare.

“Any extra costs will be passed onto those who can best afford it,” she said.

She said some of the changes have been driven by a reported disparity between the number of patients seen and the money paid to practices by Medicare.

“This needs to be properly investigated and audited so we can clarify the issue,” Mrs Sudmalis said.

She stressed that those with chronic health problems should be on a health plan, and those on a health plan would, like other concession holders, would be immune from any increase due to changes to the Medicare rebate paid to doctors.

“The main issue regarding primary health care in the region is that only 15 per cent of GPs bulk-bill. More GPs need to bulk-bill, or if they already do they need to advertise the fact.”

She said GPs could see up to 10 patients in an hour. “On bulk-billing that means they would make $220 for that hour.”

Mrs Sudmalis said one change the government wanted to introduce would have a direct benefit for all patients.

“By increasing the minimal consultation time from six to 10 minutes, GPs will have more time with patients.”

She said she had emailed the office of the Minister of Health, Sussan Ley, suggesting patients wanting nothing more than a script renewal from their GP have a separate item number to keep down costs.

Ms Sudmalis said the new Minister of Health was determined and passionate about the portfolio.

“If anyone can pull this together for the benefit of the Australian people, it’s Sussan Ley.”

Source: South Coast Register