Can't Afford Specialists? Australia's Free Public Clinics Await

Accessing specialist healthcare in Australia is becoming increasingly difficult due to escalating out-of-pocket costs, forcing patients into precarious financial situations. Mary, a Melbourne resident, experienced firsthand how follow-up appointments with a cardiologist, initially managed through the public system, transitioned to private rooms with significant personal expense, eventually depleting her savings. Her situation highlights the growing concern over healthcare affordability.

Dr. Elizabeth Deveny of the Consumer Health Forum of Australia notes that Mary's story is not isolated, revealing the fragility of affordability for many Australians. She emphasizes the need for systemic guardrails rather than relying on individual specialists' goodwill. Professor Brendan Murphy also expressed concern, particularly for low-income individuals with chronic conditions, advocating for more nuanced charging practices among specialists.

The federal health minister, Mark Butler, has pledged to address soaring specialist fees as a government priority, acknowledging that some charges have become "out-of-control." While acknowledging constitutional limitations, the government plans to mandate fee disclosure. Experts warn that without reforms, the pressure on public hospitals will intensify as more people are priced out of private care, jeopardizing the balance of Australia's healthcare system.