Decisions about specialist fees, Medicare rebates, private health insurance and healthcare funding shape the care patients receive and what it costs them. This page follows how those issues are reported in Australia, and from time to time I add my own perspective as a practising specialist.
It is a single continuous feed, newest first. Each item is clearly labelled, so you can always tell reporting from opinion. New articles are also shared on X at @AirwayDoctorAU.
Latest
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Underfunding is a choice too
The Grattan Institute says specialists, not Medicare, are to blame for rising fees. Here's why that's wrong.
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What 316 comments tell us about specialist fees
The SMH on Grattan's new specialist fee analysis, my view, and what readers' comments reveal about the debate.
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Australians are paying 'extreme' specialist fees. Here's how the government can rein in costs
Peter Breadon and Thomas Shortridge (Grattan Institute) argue rebates and costs don't explain rising fees, and propose that specialists charging more than three times the Schedule Fee repay the Medicare rebates linked to their services.
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Three times the rebate and way above inflation: The medical specialties with sky-high fees
Grattan Institute analysis finds specialist fees rose 4% above inflation in the past year, and proposes that specialists charging more than three times the Schedule Fee repay the Medicare rebates linked to their services.
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Urgent in name only: Tasmania's colonoscopy wait
ABC Hobart on Tasmania's urgent colonoscopy waitlist and new endoscopy funding, and my view.
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Fees are only one side of the equation
The ABC on the specialist inquiry's possible overhaul, AMA (NSW)'s response, and my view.
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Mirror, Mirror 2024: Australia ranked first of ten health systems
The Commonwealth Fund's international comparison, four health systems side by side, and a short comment.
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Seven dollars and the no-gap cliff
Commentary on the AMA's Private Health: Uncovering Gaps explainer.
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Specialist fees and access
Why specialist care is becoming harder to reach, and what Government is doing about it.
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