Hunter GPs have vowed to continue fighting against federal government plans to modify the Medicare rebate system.
The rebate for standard consultations is due to be reduced by $5 in July this year, while a proposal to cut $20 from the rebate for shorter visits was dumped yesterday.
Chairman of the Hunter GP Association Tony Isaac says doctors would have no option but to pass on most of the difference to their patients.
The Health Minister Sussan Ley said there will instead be a new round of consultation with doctors.
Dr Isaac said yesterday’s backdown will not stop local doctors from protesting.
“This is not a single change,” he said.
“It’s actually the latest of a series of cuts that have happened over the last few years.
“And so we still feel a bit on edge, and will probably need to keep our campaign going until we can really get some certainty for general practice.”
Dr Isaac said it would stop people going to the doctor and many will get sicker, needing more expensive, hospital-based care.
“We felt really devalued by the decision to just completely ignore doctors,” he said.
“We’re still worried about the freezing of indexation.
“We’re still worried about the impact the $5 co-payment is going to have.
“We would love to have some certainty, some commitment to general practice and primary health care.”