DOCTORS AND THEIR FEES

Taihape Daily Times, 14 December 1918, Page 5

DOCTORS AND THEIR FEES

A FEW BLACK SHEEP The fees charged by one or two doctors while attending epidemic patients formed the subject of discussion at the meeting of the Auckland Citizens' Committee on Friday morning. Mr. A. J. Entrican said that something should be done with a view to bringing before the Government the excessive charges that had been made in some instances. "I have one bill here," he said, "covering a few weeks which amounts to £l4 7s Gd. Something will have to be done, as many working people are quite unable to pay these amounts.'' There was a need, he continued, for some radical change. On his motion it was resolved that the committee be empowered to refer charges of this kind to the Government with a view to having something done in the matter. Mr T. Bloodworth suggested that the matter be also referred tb the B'ritish Medical Association, and this was agreed to. Another speaker mentioned the case of a man residing just outside the suburban area, who had rung up a doctor and 'asked him to pay a visit to four patients in that district. The doctor replied that he would not go unless guaranteed £l2 12s. The man was unable to guarantee the amount, but the local chemist did so, and the doctor came. While out there he was asked to visit another case only five minutes away from the last one, and for this be charged another four guineas. f An instance was given by another of those present of a doctor who want30s before attending to the case to which lie had been called. The family only had 29s 6d and the doctor refused to go on until he had received the : extra sixpence. It was pointed out by other speakers that, according to professional etiquette, certain charges had to be made for certain services, although the doctors in many cases did not insist on payment. Mr Gunson said there was no doubt that there were one or two black sheep among the doctors, but all present would agree that the majority of them were heroes, and had done a splendid work in combating the epidemic.