GREEDY WORLD

HASN’T the world got greedy? In helping a friend, I discovered that nearly all Toowoomba medical specialists charge age pensioners top dollar for their services, thereby not honouring this time in their life.

Ten years ago I was practice manager for a highly respected Toowoomba specialist who respected the Federal Government’s recognition of deserving Australians but now, that seems to be a thing of the past despite the public still being “conditioned” to believe the medical field is benevolent to those who can no longer work through no fault of their own.

Ironic isn’t it - especially when the medical field has a greater understanding of aging more than anyone.

For example, health services have become so greedy that even under a GP’s Health Care Plan, a psychologist will charge an up-front non-refundable “$100 assessment fee” prior to commencing sessions.

To me (and hopefully you), this is a “neon light” to reassess the person hiding behind the service.

It seems the only medical practices that honour aged pensioners are the general practitioners and what a Godsend they are: To all the GPs in Toowoomba - a big thank you.

Where possible, ask your GP for a referral to the Toowoomba Hospital where the same specialist services are free (or bulk-billed).

The greed in the private health sector won’t change - but you can.

H. QUINN, Toowoomba