Many Australians are going without medication, avoiding GP and dental visits, and delaying vital health scans because of cost-of-living pressures, according to new research from Healthengine.
In the latest survey by the organisation, which helps Australians navigate the bulk billing process and understand healthcare costs, three-quarters of respondents said cost of living increases had impacted their healthcare decisions and 60% were delaying GP visits and 53% dental treatment.
Also, a third of people were postponing diagnostic tests or scans, pointing to a possible impact on the ophthalmic industry and tests for chronic eye conditions.
This latest research supports similar conclusions in a recent UNSW School of Optometry and Vision Science study, which said a quarter of eyecare patients were avoiding treatment for their condition due to cost reasons.
The 6th Australian Healthcare Index survey and report, undertaken by Healthengine and the Australian Patients Association, surveyed more than 9,000 people.
Australian Patients Association CEO Mr David Clarke said poor access to bulk billing and out-of-pocket costs to see a doctor or GP were among the top concerns for many Australians.
“Recent editions of the Australian Health Index have helped bring the issue of cost into focus – but the results of our latest survey are the starkest yet,” he said.
“To have people delaying and skipping important appointments and treatments because of costs creates downstream problems with higher risks that peopleʼs health gets even worse.
“Only 50% of survey participants reported that they were fully bulk billed on their most recent visit to the GP. This isnʼt enough given the cost pressures people are living with.”
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