The federal government will require approximately 11,000 specialist doctors to disclose their fees through the Medical Costs Finder website, aiming to improve cost transparency for patients.
Health Minister Mark Butler announced the specialist fee disclosure policy following sustained pressure from private health insurers and patient advocacy groups.
The measure will apply to surgeons, anaesthetists, and other specialists, allowing patients and general practitioners to compare costs before seeking treatment.
“The Albanese Labor Government will help Australians find the best value when they need specialist medical advice and treatment by upgrading the Medical Costs Finder to give more transparency on fees,” Butler said.
Since the Medical Costs Finder website launched in 2019 at a cost exceeding $24 million, participation has been minimal, with fewer than 100 doctors voluntarily publishing their fees.
Private Healthcare Australia (PHA) has welcomed the requirement for greater fee transparency.
“While most doctors charge appropriately, we know an increasing number of Australians have been charged exorbitant fees by specialist doctors, including more than $950 for first appointments with psychiatrists,” said PHA chief executive Dr Rachel David. “Some anaesthetists have also allegedly waited until the day of procedures to disclose their fees, leaving patients powerless to contest how much they were being charged out of fear of procedures being cancelled. We need to stamp out this sort of price gouging, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.”
David said patients in areas with fewer specialists, such as the ACT, often face even higher costs. Greater transparency, she argued, would allow patients to compare pricing and make more informed choices.
“Transparency is the first step. We need more visibility of doctors’ fees so consumers know exactly how much they will be charged and can shop around. We hope all politicians will commit to this policy to ensure it proceeds regardless of the federal election result in May,” she said.
A survey by Patients Australia and La Trobe University found that one in five Australians had delayed or skipped specialist appointments due to cost concerns. The Australian Bureau of Statistics has also reported a rise in patients avoiding specialist visits for financial reasons.
In addition to specialist fee transparency, health insurers are advocating for regulatory changes to allow private health funds to cover GP consultations.
The Members Health Fund Alliance has called for the federal government to lift the restriction, arguing that it places unnecessary financial strain on patients.
“It makes no sense that health insurance funds can help cover the cost of dental, optical, and physio appointments but not something as important as a trip to the GP,” said Members Health CEO Matthew Koce.
A report from Money.com.au found that out-of-pocket healthcare costs for Australians with private hospital insurance have increased by 71% over the past five years. Between 2019 and 2024, the average gap payment for disclosed costs rose from $99 to $135, while undisclosed charges increased from $418 to $685. During the same period, hospital service costs increased by 22%, Medicare rebates by 18%, and private insurer contributions by 12%.
A separate study from the Cleanbill Report (January 2025) revealed that Australians pay an average of $43.38 per GP visit, with fees exceeding $50 in some areas. Koce said the rising cost of GP consultations has contributed to people delaying necessary medical care.
