Hi everyone,
hope you are all well.  In regards to the $1100 being charged for 5 minutes by a doc...
 
I know that there has been research done into intervention rate differences in the public v's private sectors but has anything else been addressed?
 
What I mean by that is: we know that the government chose to pay doctors more for more complex births and said that rates would be monitored to stop overservicing, but the rates keep rising.  Has anyone actually directly asked to see how the government can assure that this is not considered over servicing?  Has anyone ever seen measures taken by those who may be considered to be over servicing?  Has the insurance companies ever been directly asked why it is that if you live in a high crime rate your premiums are higher, BUT if you birth in a private hospital or with a particular Ob whose intervention rates are in some cases triple those of other places, there are no questions asked?
Now I know that there are hospitals owned by insurance companies and major stakeholders are doctors so it really doesn't worry them cause it is all money in their pocket eventually, but this sort of thing would be a public relations disaster if it was to get media attention and a real community focus.  Has the Health Consumers Council been formally approached to view this issue?  Has the Health Insurance ombudsman been approached? 
 
Has anyone actually pointed this out to those who stand to have egg on their face if directly questioned?
 
just wondering......?
cheers Jo
 

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