Australians, outraged when surgical bills reach *hundreds of dollars*, get government to update cost comparing site
Australians will soon find it easier to locate cheaper doctor appointments and avoid getting hit with unexpected medical bills. The federal government has promised to spend $7 million to upgrade its Medical Costs Finder website if re-elected, a costs comparison website for medical specialists.
Aussies across the country can pay hundreds of dollars more than their neighbours for the same procedure, with fees varying hugely from specialist to specialist. In Perth, for example, the average out-of-pocket cost for cataract surgery is $190 but some have paid less than $20 and others paid more than $500 for the same operation.
The $24 million website was launched by the former Coalition government in 2019 but since then less than 100 of 11,000 medical specialists have voluntarily uploaded their fees to the site.
Health Minister Mark Butler will announce the review of the website today and said the service had been “left gathering dust” and wasn’t currently helping patients work out out-of-pocket costs.
https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/major-win-for-aussies-slugged-with-950-medical-bills-dont-get-hit-by-unexpected-fees-003108824.html
I'm sorry... Out-of-pocket surgery?