I MEDICAL FEES

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 23, 22 October 1942, Page 6

I MEDICAL FEES

Method Of Collection And Rate Charged

The question of ’the compulsion of medical practitioners to collect their fees direct from the Social Security Fund, also, of preventing doctors from charging their patients fees higher than those prescribed by the Government, was discussed by the Minister of Health, Mr. Nordmeyer, in replying to Mr. Denham (Government, Invercargill).

Mr. Nordmeyer said that in view of the large amount of administrative work involved in the present system during the war period—when it was essential that labour should be conserved in every possible way—it might become necessary to discuss the question of the direct, collection of medical fees with the medical profession. The number of doctors claiming direct from the Social Security Fund was steadily growing. In view of that fact the question of compulsion had not received consideration by the Government.

The question of the amount of tiie charges by doctors over and above the prescribed social security payments was constantly under review. Close investigation as to the adequacy of the prescribed amount of 7/6 in the light of the past year’s experience was being undertaken. Considerable attention had also been given to the possibility of instituting an extended State Medical Service, including clinics', on the most modern lines to supplement the ordinary private practitioner and hospital services as soon as war conditions permitted.