Dr John Dwyers analysis of the reforms necessary within the health sector are illuminating but the issue that must be addressed is the fact that changes that are being put forward will take tens of years.

There are methods to address the waste which is inherent within the system which are being ignored by state governments because of the resistance coming fr


from guess who?

Doctors- in particularly specialists who do not like their billing methods and practices made transparent.

This is particularly true in country areas where the ability to audit Fee for Service payments is non existent. The current system is debtor pays- There is no focus on best possible pathways using least expensive options- there is no financial incentive to the practitioners to do this.

Like it or not behaviour linked to fiscal reward changes faster than behaviour that should be changed because of ethical and moral concerns.

Until doctors are rewarded, even nominally for providing the best standard of care within a given DRG (Diagnosis Related Group)whilst reducing the total cost for this episode of care below the baseline, doctors will not look at ensuring patients are discharged on time with an effective but least expensive medication.

All doctors must concentrate on reducing costs.

Why not make it financially worth the time and effort to do so?