The report on the evaluation of the opt-out trials for My Health Record showed that the approach would help ensure the full health benefits of a shared electronic health record could be realised the Consumers Health Forum says “CHF has been calling for an opt-out system backed by strong community...

A new expert report urging a makeover of Australia’s primary health care development makes a robust case for immediate action, the Consumers Health Forum says. The Grattan Institute’s report, Building better foundations for primary care , recommends the Commonwealth build on its Health Care Homes...

Patient Experience Week coming two weeks before the Federal Budget provides a timely opportunity for voters to consider how the Government could best use precious health dollars to better the health experience for all Australians, the Consumers Health Forum says. “CHF’s submission to the Federal...

The introduction of Medicare cover for online consultations with psychologists for people in rural Australia is a welcome development, the Consumers Health Forum says. “The expansion of telehealth services for country people is timely and appropriate particularly for psychological services when so...

Sweeping criticisms of the value of health insurance made in articles released today (Thursday 20 April) should prompt the Government to boost the scope of its private health care review, the Consumers Health Forum says. In wide-ranging articles published by the Consumers Health Forum, consumer...

Consumers need not panic about locking in their preferred health fund by Saturday when higher premiums take effect, the Consumers Health Forum says. “Given the widespread angst generated by the average 4.8 per cent rise in premiums from 1 April, consumers might think they have to finalise their...

Consumers need responsive community health services which embrace mental health services designed with consumers, not more reviews. “The announcement of yet another review into how best to deliver mental health announced yesterday risks further delay to real, concerted action,” says the CEO of the...

The savings to the taxpayer in reducing the cost to Government of prescribed pharmaceuticals has been one of the success stories in health economics in Australia in recent years, yet experts say even more savings may be possible through changes to drug pricing policy, the Consumers Health Forum...

Medical specialists should be required to list their fees publicly to ensure patients are able to make better informed choices and avoid the ‘bill shock’ of unexpectedly high fees, the Consumers Health Forum said today. “The publication today of reports showing dramatic variations in what...

The AMA public hospital report card released today highlights that our hospitals and broader health system are facing a funding crisis, says the chief executive officer of the Consumer’s Health Forum, Leanne Wells. “It is vitally important that the Australian community has a public hospital system...