HOME VISITS PAIN

After- hours doctor service closes

ONE of Townsville’s two home doctor services has closed.

The National Home Doctor Service, known as 13 SICK, has written to pa- tients advising them it has stopped its Townsville business.

The Federal Government’s cut to Medicare rebate payments and the difficulty getting doctors to work after hours were blamed for the decision.

The Government announced in December last year the rebate payments for doctors undertaking home visits would be reduced from $ 129.80 to $ 100 as part of its budget update.

TOWNSVILLE has lost one of its two home doctor services prompting fears extra pressure on hospitals could cause a “blowout” in patient waiting times.

The National Home Doctor Service, also known as 13 SICK, sent letters to Townsville patients informing them they will no longer be offering their services to the region this week.

“As a result of the Turnbull Government’s cut to Medicare, we have been forced to shut some of our services in Townsville as we can no longer ( retain) the doctors to do the work,” a letter obtained by the Bulletin said.

“It is already difficult to get doctors to work in the afterhours period, especially given most of them choose to work during the day rather than drive long distances at night and often in inclement weather at personal risk.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt announced the rebate payments to “medical deputising doctors” who undertake home visits would be reduced from $ 129.80 to $ 100 as part of the Government’s budget update in December last year.

The decision was prompted by a review of the Medicare benefits schedule that found the after- hours medical service industry was a significant cost to the healthcare system.

NHDS and other services have been accused of unnecessarily claiming non- urgent visits as “urgent items” in order to gain a higher rebate.

As part of the change, GPs would be given more financial support to undertake afterhours visits.

Townsville’s only remaining service provider, House Call Doctor, will continue to operate but with reduced operating hours.

Chief operating officer Craig Glover said patients could only book a doctor after 6pm on weeknights and noon on Saturday.

“In Townsville, House Call Doctor will be the only bulkbilled after- hours service so we are committed to keeping the service open,” he said.

“Townsville residents needing a doctor to make a house call after hours on weeknights and across weekends and public holidays can call 13 55 66.”

Herbert MP Cathy O’Toole said she was concerned a lack of affordable and accessible after- hours medical services would place extra pressure on hospital emergency departments.

“When people start using hospital emergency departments as GPs, waiting times blow out. People get tired and cranky, and become abusive to staff – it’s a vicious circle,” she said.

Ms O’Toole said the Turnbull Government’s decision to keep the freeze on Medicare rebates was compounding the issues preventing Townsville residents from having access to affordable treatment.

“The Turnbull Government has made an absolute mess of after- hours care … what we need to do is have after- hours services in places that are accessible and affordable,” she said.

The rebate cut does include an exemption for “regional” areas but Townsville does not qualify.

“Turnbull doesn’t classify Townsville as regional so we wouldn’t be exempted; that’s ridiculous when you look at where we sit on a map,” Ms O’Toole said.

“It’s not just about how many people live in the town, it’s about what services they have access to.”