Doctors have warned defence is facing a potential health care crisis with only a small number of medical specialists signing up to a new health agreement.A survey of specialists found under nine per cent of the 600 who previously provided care for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel had agreed to be part of the new preferred provider network.
Australian Medical Association president Dr Steve Hambleton said the survey revealed a potential crisis.
‘It looks like around 90 per cent of these highly committed doctors, often with specialist expertise in caring for defence personnel, have made the decision to walk away,’ he said in a statement on Tuesday.
‘The net result of the new system is that ADF personnel may have less choice and poorer access to specialist care.’
As well there would be a significant loss of specialists who had a strong understanding of the health needs of ADF members.
The row over specialist health services relates to the $1.3 billion deal signed with with Medibank Health Solutions (MHS) in June for provision of health care for defence personnel across Australia.
Following the decision, MHS established preferred provider networks for a range of health providers, including off-base medical specialists.
On-base medical officers will refer personnel to off-base specialists who sign on with MHS to be part of the network.
But the specialists have complained that MHS fees are too low.
Dr Hambleton said the new arrangements left defence personnel and their doctors worse off.
‘Hardworking doctors who have been looking after defence personnel for years are being asked to do more for less,’ he said.
Source: skynews