Comments on: Dentists caught in ‘witch hunt’

By: Philippa Sawyer

Philippa Sawyer — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 05:30:17 +0000

The scheme also leaves out all those who have medical conditions or disabilities whose treatment must be completed under general anaestheisa in a hospital or day surgery facility even if the patient has private hospital insurance or are prepared to pay the facility fee for private care. Less people on the public waiting list means shorter waiting times for those who remain. Who is rorting who in our health care system? It seems that those who are least able to access care are still at the back of the pack.

By: Neil McConnell

Neil McConnell — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 02:29:55 +0000

The Medicare auditors are required to demonstrate that administrative procedures will minimise rorting. They, obviously, cannot assess the quality of care provided. Without such assessment how is it possible to “stop pursuing dentists who provide quality care” ? The ADA stance on funding being targetted to low income earners, seemingly, fails to require monitoring and such assessment of quality of care.

By: Khat

Khat — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 02:24:40 +0000

It is a shame to see the Medicare Chronic Disease Scheme given to those not in need when there are so any that are. How is it that general practitioners can give a referral for Medicare services to a patient whose chronic illness is “eczma” and since when is “smoking” considered a chronic disease. These are just some of the referrals I have seen refferred to dental practices. Perhaps instead of crucifying the dentist, take a look at those sending the referrals. And as mentioned by Lirra Djama, we have those in remote areas of Australia completely forgotten about who are more immunocompromised than the patients who have access to dentists under the scheme. Isn’t it time to close the gap…?

By: Lirra Djama

Lirra Djama — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 01:07:05 +0000

The Medicare Chronic Diseases Dental Scheme had enormous potential to do good, however that has not been the case. Aboriginal people in remote places such as Arnhem Land and the Kimberley, are generally speaking,( due to their massive chronic illness incidence) entitled to this treatment that could be delivered at no cost to the patient, if there were the doctors to do the referrals, and dental facilities to enable the work to be done. However, the cost of transport to these places is prohibitive, and allowances need to be made for recovery of travel and accommodation expenses.
We hope that the next legislation will overcome these issues, and enable willing and enthusiastic clinicians to help lift these Australian citizens, out of their 4th World state of dental despair.