The increase in the PBS co-payment announced in the Federal Budget could result in more Australians needing increased monitoring to ensure they are compliant with their medicines regimen, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia says.
National President of the PSA, Grant Kardachi (pictured right), said the increase in the PBS co-payment could put added financial pressure on some people’s ability to continue taking their medicines.
“The increase in the co-payment may mean that some patients feel they need to make a decision about the medicines they are taking and this raises very serious issues regarding patients’ safe and effective use of medicines,” Mr Kardachi said.
Coupled with the new MBS co-payment for GP visits, out-of-hospital pathology and diagnostic imaging services, vulnerable patients may be forced into a situation where they make a financial decision about seeking medical attention or adhering to their medicines instead of focusing on their health.
Pharmacists are medicines experts and should not be put in a position where they may need to counsel patients about managing their medicine use based on financial pressures.
“The Government will not be explaining the increases in co-payments to patients rather it will be pharmacists as the most accessible, frontline health professionals”, Mr Kardachi said.
It is essential that patients do not discontinue taking their medicines without first talking to their pharmacist or GP.
“Patients neglecting to take medicines prescribed by their GP will only result in an increase in ongoing heath costs and hospitalisations which in turn will add to greater pressures being imposed on the already strained health budget.
“Patients with concerns or questions should speak to their pharmacist when having their medicines dispensed.”
 
 
 

• $7 GP co-payment
  


• Pathology and imaging fees
  


• $5 increase to medications (80 cent increase for concession card holders)
  


• States will be given the power to introduce an Emergency Department fee
  


• An increase in the Medicare Safety-net threshold, and
  


• A freeze on private health insurance rebates.
  

Through a revision of the National Health Reform Agreement, Victoria is set to lose $670m in direct funding for public hospitals. Victoria will also lose access to reward funding, which was previously available. Reward funding provides an incentive for hospitals to meet important performance targets, such as the number of patients receiving surgery within clinically recommended times.
“This will affect Victorians' access to important health services, it will increase waiting times for surgery and emergency care, and lead to a likely reduction in overall capacity,” newly elected AMA Victoria President, Dr Tony Bartone, said tonight.
“This Budget will impede access to healthcare and a number of people will defer seeking treatment for serious medical conditions due to the cost barrier.
“As a GP, I am also greatly concerned by the introduction of fees for pathology services, as many of my patients require multiple and repeated tests as part of ongoing clinical management. For example, if you're on the blood medication Warfarin, blood tests might be ordered every three days. All of these additional costs will put healthcare out of reach.
“These changes will lead to blood tests and GP visits being viewed as "luxury" items and may mean that patients have to choose between important medical treatments or putting food on the table.
“The Government needs to stop hitting general practice. General practice is not the problem, it is the solution,” Dr Bartone said.