Voluntary assisted dying costs are creating ‘substantial barriers’ for patients, Queensland doctors say
by Melissa Davey Medical editor from World news | The Guardian on (#6DVD9)
Group proposes Medicare reforms and a standard billing structure with $860 out-of-pocket cost to improve access
The out-of-pocket costs of voluntary assisted dying are creating substantial barriers" for patients seeking to access euthanasia, according to doctors in Queensland who say Medicare reforms are urgently needed.
The government does not subsidise euthanasia and its associated costs under the Medicare Benefits Schedule, which means doctors privately bill patients. Psychology and counselling services used to assess a patient's eligibility for voluntary assisted dying may attract Medicare subsidies.
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