Bulk-billed tests axed over rebates

A GOLD Coast neurologist says he has been forced to suspend specialist bulk billed tests for patients because of a freeze on government rebates.

Professor John Corbett of Corbett Neurophysiology Service took the major step of suspending the bulk billing of electroencephalogram’s (EEG) at his clinic, until the government pause on specialist Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) is lifted to inflation levels.

The EEG tests, which are vital for the diagnosis of conditions like epilepsy, would normally cost patients $450, according to the Australian Medical Association’s recommended pricing list.

However Prof Corbett charged his patients nothing, only taking the Government rebate of just over $100.

In 2012 specialist rebates were suspended instead of increasing year on year in line with inflation, adding to the clinic’s bottom line.

Prof Corbett said he can no longer cop the losses.

“Medicare rebates have failed to keep up with the increasing costs for providing medical services,” Prof Corbett said.

“Most of the affected patients cannot afford gap fees and will need now to be referred to the public system, where increased costs and long waiting lists are likely.

“I am struggling more and more to cover costs, as rates, payroll, electricity increases but rebates stay the same.”

Prof Corbett said he was also looking to suspend bulk billing for other tests because of climbing prices of operating.

“People think specialists make a lot of money, but in fact bulk-billing specialists are a dying breed,” he said.

“A substantial percentage of my patients will be referred to public hospitals. These hospitals will be swamped. Neurologists are already in short supply and I know from personal experience it is exceedingly difficult to attract new neurologists to practice fulltime neurophysiology.

“Meanwhile, their medical problems progress and often become costlier to treat.”

Prof Corbett has written to every federal and state MP to overturn the changes and bring the rebates to where they would be without the freeze.

The Federal Coalition last year announced a staged reintroduction of indexation of Medicare rebates in the 2017-18 Budget.

Federal Labor is committed to a lift on the freeze but the extent of it is unknown.

“Any lift in the freeze would mean we are still behind by a few years,” Prof Corbett said.

“I am unable to upgrade any of my equipment.”