CHanges to cataract Surgery Rebates

From the 1st of Novemeber 2009 the Federal Health Minister Nicoloa Roxon has halved the medicare rebate for cataract surgery. This means that patients scheduled for this surgery after 1st of November 2009 will have an increase in their out of pocket expences. Minister Roxon claims that the decrease in the rebate is due to technological advancements that have made the surgery faster and easier, however fails to take into account that the rebate has allready been reduced by a total of 60%, from reductions in 1985 and 1997 to reflect the gains from improved technology.

Presently the private health schemes have not released their expected rebates for after the 1st of November so Eye Associates is unable to provide an accurate extimate of fees for any proposed surgery.

If you are schedlued for cataract surgery and would like the latest news available please call our rooms on 02 92479972 to speak with our operations staff. They can provide the most recent updates and discuss fees with you. The Senate will again meet to debate this item on the 16th of Novemember 2009 so there may be further changes in the near future.

If you would like further information on this topic there is a link below to information from the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists.

http://www.grandmasnothappy.com.au


	General Ophthalmology

	Subspecialities
	Cataracts Cornea Diabetic Eye Disease Glaucoma Laser Vision Correction Macular Degeneration Ocular Pain Pterygium Retinal Vein Occlusion Uveitis
	Associated Sites
	AMD Alliance The Fred Hollows Foundation Glaucoma Australia Guide Dogs Association (NSW) Seeing Eye Dogs Assoc. Macular Degeneration Foundation Vision Australia