Health fund NIB has joined with US Managed Care behemoth CIGNA to introduce US Style Managed Care into Australia.
The potential repercussions for the Australian healthcare system are significant – The scope for quality private practice work is likely to diminish, with particular concern in relation to corporate entities placing profitability ahead of patient rights and preferences and clinician expertise.
Australia has a well established public health system, delivering a high standard of care. Australian patients expect that they are going to receive the best and most appropriate treatment, whether they are in the private or public sector. Honeysuckle Health’s proposed model could result in patient dissatisfaction with options for their care – they will be dictated which doctors they can see, the treatment options available to them and which hospital to attend. Additionally with restrictions placed on the doctor by their “contract”, the real risk will be an increased number of patients returning to an already burdened and under-resourced public system.
It is challenging to see how adding an additional layer into government schemes, indemnity providers, hospitals, clinicians and patients will improve efficiencies in healthcare delivery and patient care. There is no legitimate reason to negatively impact the way Australians access their healthcare through the implementation of US Style managed care.