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. They warn that without additional funding, patients may soon have to pay co-payments for services like blood tests.
The campaign highlights the growing demand for pathology services due to Australia's aging population and increasing chronic illness. However, the sector has faced stagnant Medicare rebates for 24 years. While the Albanese government recently indexed rebates for some labor-intensive services, many tests remain excluded.
Pathology companies argue that technological advancements haven't significantly reduced costs, especially in areas like microbiology, where qualified scientists are needed for analysis. They also point to rising labor costs as a major concern.
This isn't the first time Australian Pathology has launched such a campaign. In 2016, they warned of potential co-payments after the government scrapped bulk billing incentives. The campaign ended after the government agreed to regulate rents charged to pathology companies in GP clinics.
Health experts remain skeptical, suggesting the companies are using scare tactics to pressure the government. They point to previous instances where pathology providers 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 united and facing financial pressure.
The government has also announced tighter restrictions on Medicare-funded vitamin B12 and urine specimen testing, aiming to reduce "unnecessary" pathology. This could disadvantage women who rely on these tests for diagnosis and monitoring.
An independent review of fees for non-indexed pathology items is expected later this year.