Pathology Providers Push for More Government Funding, Warn of Potential Co-payments
Australian Pathology, representing private pathology companies, has launched a campaign urging the government to increase funding for pathology services. The campaign warns that without additional funding, patients may soon face co-payments for tests like blood tests.
The group highlights the growing demand for pathology services due to Australia's aging population and increasing chronic illness. However, they claim that government funding has been stagnant for 24 years, leading to concerns about the sustainability of bulk billing.
The government recently indexed rebates for some labor-intensive pathology services, but excluded many others, arguing that automation and economies of scale have reduced costs. Pathology companies disagree, stating that much of their work remains resource-intensive and requires qualified scientists.
This is not the first time Australian Pathology has campaigned against potential co-payments. In 2016, they launched a similar campaign after the government scrapped bulk billing incentives. The campaign ended after the government agreed to regulate the high rents charged to pathology companies in GP clinics.
Health experts believe the current campaign is a scare tactic aimed at pressuring the government. They point to previous instances where pathology companies introduced co-payments only to reverse them due to revenue losses.
However, some pathology providers believe co-payments are imminent, arguing that the industry is facing financial pressure. They also point to upcoming restrictions on Medicare-funded vitamin B12 and urine specimen testing, which could lead to increased out-of-pocket costs for some patients.
The government has announced an independent review into the fees for pathology items that were not indexed. The outcome of this review will likely determine the future of bulk billing for pathology services in Australia.