THE Australian Medical Association today welcomed recommendations from a senate inquiry for an increase into MBS rebates for reproductive health care and improved access to a wider range of contraception.
AMA President Steve Robson said the limited MBS items available were rarely appropriate to cover the cost of providing services, resulting in reduced access or out-of-pocket costs for providing reproductive care.
"New and more appropriate MBS items will greatly improve access to reproductive healthcare for women across Australia," Robson said.
"At the moment only selected basic oral contraceptives are available through the PBS.
"GPs regularly see patients who are better suited to a non-PBS subsidised option, but this can be quite expensive, which means some people can't afford them.
"We know there are issues with access to services, particularly in regional areas, and the AMA welcomes the recommendation women's health services are available and accessible to all who need them."
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