HUNDREDS of thousands of Queenslanders are putting off seeing a doctor because they cannot afford it, despite the state having one of the highest bulk-billing rates in Australia.
The report on the nation’s healthcare systems also shows almost 10 per cent of people aged over 15 are delaying getting prescription medication because of the costs.
The Productivity Commission report, released today, is part of a seven-volume document that provides analysis of government services using comparative data dating as far back as 2002.
“The report helps to drive improvements in the effectiveness of services, providing benefits to those who use them,” Productivity Commission chairman Peter Harris said.
The study shows 5.8 per cent of Queensland’s population aged over 15 – more than 200,000 people – delayed seeing their doctor because of costs on at least one occasion in 2013-14.
About 80 per cent of all GP visits in the state were bulk-billed, slightly less than in New South Wales and Victoria.
During the same 12-month period, 9.9 per cent said they could not afford to buy prescription medication.
About 380,000 people presented at emergency departments around the state for illnesses or injuries not considered urgent by authorities.
Health groups have raised fears the Federal Government’s $5 Medicare co-payment plan could further deter people from seeing their doctor, pushing more patients into the public system.
But Australian Medical Association Queensland president Shaun Rudd said most private doctors would consider ways to help cash-strapped patients to ensure they are treated.
“At the end of the day, if people don’t have the money … there are plenty of doctors more than happy to waive the fees if that’s truly the case,” Dr Rudd said.
“It would be a case-by-case decision for GPs.”
The report shows the life expectancy for Queensland women is 84.1 – 4.5 years more than men.