Patient awareness of hospital services costs
A consumer survey was conducted throughout July to measure patients’ awareness of the costs of their privately insured hospital services before they received treatment. It will be compared with earlier surveys taken on behalf of the Commonwealth Government.
The November-December 2006 survey showed a 20% drop in the number of people experiencing surprise out-of-pocket expenses compared with the 2004 survey. However, there is still room to do better.
The Commonwealth Government wants doctors and hospitals to obtain informed financial consent, in advance, preferably in writing, from all patients. This is particularly important when patients will face out-of-pocket expenses for their treatments.
The Government will continue to work with doctors, health insurance funds, hospitals and patients to improve rates of informed financial consent.
Results of the July 2007 survey will be available later this year. This survey will provide information to help the Government consider options to improve the rate of informed consent.
