6 March 2017 - Medical specialists should be required to list their fees publicly to ensure patients are able to make better informed choices and avoid the ‘bill shock’ of unexpectedly high fees, the Consumers Health Forum said today.

“The publication today of reports showing dramatic variations in what specialists charge, highlights the pressing need for a transparent system that gives patients some power and choice about whom they seek treatment from,” the CEO of the Consumers Health Forum, Leanne Wells, said.

“We already know that many people avoid care because of cost. Affordability of care for the Australian community is a growing issue due to out-of-pocket costs which are on the rise. Add to this these trends in fee variation and we will see even more patients stopping treatment or not seeking treatment early enough.

Read Consumer Health Forum press release