Aussies Skip Crucial Care Amid Soaring Medical Costs

Escalating medical and hospital expenses are compelling a considerable number of Australians to postpone or forgo essential healthcare. A survey indicates that one-third of patients have delayed or canceled specialist appointments in the past three years, primarily due to cost. During this period, in-hospital specialist fees rose by 22%, with median gap fees reaching $222 and some single out-of-hospital appointments costing up to $1,000.

This financial pressure is leading to a decrease in specialist visits and a rise in general consults, as patients are "funnelled back to GPs" to avoid exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses. Experts warn that if unaddressed, this situation will result in more Australians presenting with severe illnesses to public emergency departments, ultimately increasing long-term healthcare system costs.

Economists attribute these rising costs to a healthcare funding system that adjusts slowly and a labor-intensive industry. They note that healthcare costs have outpaced general inflation significantly since 2012. Concerns are also raised about the strain on Medicare, which was designed for a different demographic and cost environment, necessitating adjustments to its funding model. Discussions are ongoing regarding potential policy adjustments and funding models to address these persistent issues.