Overview

• The Grattan Institute report found almost 1.9 million Australians delayed or skipped critical medical care because specialist fees have soared since 2010.
• Average out-of-pocket costs for an initial psychiatrist consultation reached $671 in 2023, with some specialists charging two to three times the Medicare scheduled fee.
• The report identified a significant access gap, with patients in rural and worst-served areas receiving about one-third fewer specialist services than those in major cities.
• Recommended reforms include withholding Medicare funding from specialists who charge excessive fees, publicly naming them, expanding public clinics in underserved regions and allocating $160 million to boost specialist training.
• Mark Butler’s planned upgrade to the Medical Costs Finder aims to improve fee transparency and empower patients to choose better-value specialist care.