11 December 2019 - Health funds are calling on federal health minister Greg Hunt to use the government's new data-matching powers to stop public hospitals from rorting patients with private health insurance by allowing inexperienced doctors to treat them instead of their chosen specialist.

Private Healthcare Australia chief executive Rachel David said funds had evidence suggesting some public hospitals are ripping off members by admitting them as private patients – which entitles them to a doctor of their choice by law – only to have a junior doctor treat them.

"It's important for the sake of the patient coming in that they get the treatment they are entitled to, and that they've paid for," Dr David said.

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