I was surprised and pleased to receive the following paper from SA . What a contrast to the situation in Victoria!
ReturnToWorkSA is seeking to gazette fees for medical services for 2018-19, to be effective 1st July 2018.
The Return to Work Act 2014 requires us to consult with stakeholders prior to a fee schedule being published and this paper forms part of the formal consultation process. We regard this as a valuable process, and all feedback is carefully considered.
This paper describes the proposed changes and fee calculation methodology for provider services and invites feedback. The formal consultation process will be for a four week period commencing on Wednesday, 7th February 2018.
If you have any questions regarding this document, please contact Simon Hynes, Program Lead, Provider Regulation and Support on 8238 5757 or email providers@rtwsa.com before the closing date so these can be considered within the consultation timeframe.
The Return to Work Act (2014) requires ReturnToWorkSA to set fees based on the average charge to private patients for the relevant service. The amount fixed for the service must not exceed the amount recommended by the relevant professional association.
ReturnToWorkSA obtains data from Medicare Australia to calculate average private charges for provider groups. Fees are then adjusted relative to this benchmark, based on Scheme needs.
The fee increases recommended in this paper (excluding GP consultations) have been calculated after taking this information into consideration.
ReturnToWorkSA with the Australian Medical Association (AMA) through a Memorandum of Understanding has agreed to parity with published AMA rates for General Practitioner Attendance fees up to but not exceeding an annual 5% increase.
The following table illustrates the Average Private Charge (APC) changes, the percentage differences for APC and Medicare charges and the proposed changes for the ReturntoWorkSA medical fees:
| APC change for 2017-18 | RTWSA vs
APC for 2017-18 |
RTWSA vs
Medicare Charge for 2017-18 |
Proposed RTWSA Change | |
| General Practitioner Attendance fees (Within Schedule 1A) | -0.2% | 41.1% higher | 96.5% higher | 1.8% increase (AMA rate equivalent) |
| Remaining Schedule 1A and 1B fees | -0.2% | 41.1% higher | 96.5% higher | No increase |
Given there has not been an increase in average private charges for medical fees during 2017-18, there is no proposed increase to medical fees (excluding General Practitioner Attendances) for 2018-19.
To enable fees to take effect from 1st July 2018, ReturnToWorkSA will:
If you have any questions or comments regarding this paper, please contact Simon Hynes, Program Lead, Regulation and Scheme Support on 8238 5757 or email providers@rtwsa.com by close of business on 7th of March 2018.
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