A Brisbane mother is facing thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs for lifesaving radiation therapy, sparking demand from Queensland\u2019s peak medical body for a massive boost to Medicare rebates.<\/p>\n
Vanessa Carey found a lump in her breast on New Year\u2019s Eve and was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer just days later. <\/p>\n
The suburban mum\u2019s life was upended within weeks as she tried to balance the start of her treatment with getting her son to a new school.<\/p>\n
Ms Carey faces a major surgery and weeks of radiotherapy, leaving her to grapple with a significant financial gap despite Medicare covering up to 80 to 90 per cent of the radiation oncology costs. <\/p>\n
Since her diagnosis she has been faced with thousands of dollars in \u201ccumulative costs of multiple gap fees\u201d and out-of-pocket expenses for specialist appointments, medications and now radiation treatment.<\/p>\n
\u201cBased on what family members have paid for four to five treatments that was around $4500. They paid up front, I have three to five weeks of radiation with $4000 up front each time. (I) could be faced (with) around $10,000 (in bills),\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile Medicare covers up to 90 per cent of radiation oncology costs that remaining gap is still significant.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the latest government data, Queensland has the highest out-of-hospital specialist and patient fees for radiation oncology, with specialist fees around $176 and patients paying around $120 in gaps.<\/p>\n
A National Cancer Council Australia survey revealed an staggering 98.8 per cent of Australian cancer patients hit the wall with out-of-pocket expenses last year, even when using the public health system.<\/p>\n
Ms Carey said cancer was expensive and adds up to significant financial stress during an already overwhelming time.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have spent thousands of dollars already – PET scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, in the beginning. My surgeon, who I am seeing, was out of pocket – you assume when you get a serious diagnosis, that your private health is going to cover it,\u201d Ms Carey said. <\/p>\n
AMA Queensland President associate professor Erica Gannon is calling on the Australian government to make up for \u201cyears of Medicare neglect by increasing rebates across the board\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cCancer diagnosis and treatment is stressful enough without adding financial worries to the load,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Dr Gannon said some patients required multiple courses of treatment which can result in significant out of pocket costs, on occasion totalling tens of thousands of dollars. <\/p>\n
\u201cRecent advances in radiotherapy are delivering far better outcomes for patients. It\u2019s positive news for the thousands of Australians diagnosed with cancer every year. These treatments, however, are more complex and cost more to deliver,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
Dr Gannon said patients who have private health can become blindsided as they face \u201clarge bills\u201d for treatment. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis can be confusing for private patients who have had minimal or no costs for their cancer surgery and chemotherapy but then find themselves facing large bills for their radiotherapy,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
A Cancer Council spokeswoman said Queenslanders affected by cancer should not be financially ruined.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs people living in a country with universal healthcare and a publicly-funded social security system, Queenslanders affected by cancer should not be financially ruined, receive sub-optimal care, or be unable to obtain healthcare, due to cost,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
A spokesman for the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing said Minister Butler has also expressed his concerns about the rising cost of medical specialist services in general.<\/p>\n