To our valued patient community,
First and foremost, we here at MHC, are all in healthcare to help people. We want to ensure that our Practice is financially sustainable so that we can continue to provide our services.
You will be aware that the whole of the health system is facing challenges currently, and primary care in particular has faced many years of underfunding with an outdated funding model. A government commissioned report concluded in 2022 that a funding uplift of 10-20% was needed to keep primary care viable. This is because the past 19 of 20 years capitation (our main source of government funding) has not kept pace with inflation, and we also were limited in how much we are ‘allowed’ to increase our fees
This year the capitation funding increase is 4%, but the government have signaled that practices can increase co-payments to $65 (which is the national average). Essentially indicating that this is the method to maintain viability of GP Practices across the country.
After much debate we have decided that $65 is not fair to impose on our patients. However, we will be implementing increases: $21.50 to $24.00 for 14-17yr standard consultations including ACC and $50.50 to $57 as co-payment for standard adult consultations including ACC. (Note doesn’t apply to Community Services Card (CSC) or under 14 yr. olds).
We realise that some patients may want to express their dissatisfaction with this fee increase. We would encourage to patients take the matter up with their MP to raise concerns on the chronic underfunding of primary care.
Yours sincerely
Marian Rillstone, General Manager and the MHC Board of Directors