Australian Medical Association Limited
ABN 37 008 426 793
42 Macquarie Street, Barton ACT 2600: PO Box 6090, Kingston ACT 2604
Telephone: (02) 6270 5400 Facsimile (02) 6270 5499
CATARACT REBATE AGREEMENT CONFIRMS IMPORTANCE OF
CLINICAL INPUT TO HEALTH DECISION-MAKING
AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, today congratulated the Government and the Australian
Society of Ophthalmologists on a mutually satisfactory outcome from their negotiations over
changes to the Medicare rebate for cataract surgery.
Dr Pesce said that today’s resolution was, above all, a win for patients and a great relief for the
thousands of people around the country who had faced uncertainty over their sight-saving
operations.
“The successful outcome over this issue confirms the AMA view that there must be expert
clinical input at the beginning of the process of making changes to Medicare rebates, not after
the event,” Dr Pesce said.
“It is common sense to talk to the doctors who perform the procedures every day before
making policies that affect how they care for their patients.
“To her credit, Health Minister Roxon worked closely with the ophthalmologists to reach an
agreement.
“We welcome the new $5 million outreach fund for cataract treatment in rural and Indigenous
communities.
“The AMA urges the Senate to accept these changes so the benefits can flow to patients as
early as possible,” Dr Pesce said.
29 January 2010
CONTACT:
John Flannery
02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761
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