Start Buying?, page-448

It's amazing to see Health Minister Ley trying to dictate the price for radiology and pathology treatments. Medicare is the Federal Government's insurance body for medical, surgical, public hospital costs. Most Australians have to pay a Medicare levy for this cover based on taxable income. It is not free! There are many GP, surgeons etc whose fees are considerably in excess of Medicare reimbursements. Why pick on the radiologists and pathologists whose medical skills are one of the highest. Bulk billing GPs are particularly prone to abuses - e.g. treating malingerers, elderly lonely people, only six minute appointments. Companies like Capitol Health, Sonic Healthcare, Primary Healthcare are completely justified in adjusting their fees to obtain adequate returns for shareholders!