IFC Push Gains Momentum, Australia

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 30 Oct 2007 - 3:00 PDT

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AMA Vice President, Dr Gary Speck, said that the Australian Diagnostic Imaging Association (ADIA) has added momentum to the medical profession's efforts to improve the rates of informed financial consent (IFC) with the launch of a new website and 1800 number.

Dr Speck said the AMA had been working closely with the Federal Government since August 2006 on a major campaign to educate doctors and their patients about the importance of IFC around medical fees and patient gap payments.

"The campaign has been a huge success, with significant increases in the IFC rate being achieved in little over a year," Dr Speck said.

"It is clear that the medical profession is right behind the IFC campaign and there is greater understanding between doctors and patients about fees, but there are others who need to do more.

"Private health insurers and private hospitals must provide easily accessible information on possible out-of-pocket costs that patients may face for their hospital treatment.

"The AMA and the medical profession have led the way, and now it is time for the health funds in particular to provide their customers with better information.

"A cooperative and collaborative approach to IFC from all providers in all areas of patient care will give patients greater security and peace of mind as they prepare for their medical procedures, and will negate the need for any draconian Government legislation."

Dr Speck said the ADIA IFC website and 1800 number will help patients easily understand the costs associated with imaging procedures.

"Patients should take this information to their health insurer to find out what out-of-pocket expenses they might be facing.

"Diagnostic specialists don't always get to see their patients before the diagnostic service is provided, making IFC a difficult process, but the ADIA website and free call facility will make the fee information more accessible to patients.

"It shows that we can achieve much through voluntary, not mandatory, IFC."

The ADIA IFC resources can be found at http://www.adiaifc.com.au.

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