Question On Notice No. 1755 asked in the Legislative Council on 7 November 2018 by Hon Martin Aldridge
Question Directed to the: Parliamentary Secretary representing the Deputy Premier; Minister for Health; Mental Health
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Tabled Paper No: 2296-
View tabled paper
Question
I refer to the Western Australia Country Health Service (WACHS) and charges applied to patients in order to receive an annual medical assessment in order to retain a motor vehicle drivers license, and I ask:
(a) for how long has WACHS been charging for the assessment for non-commercial assessments;
(b) at what locations has this practice been occurring;
(c) at each location identified in (b), how many occasions per year have been identified in which a charge has been applied;
(d) how has it occurred that this over-charging appears to be contained to sites located in the Kimberley despite WACHS operating state wide; and
(e) please table a copy of any circular, advice or direction distributed to WACHS sites with respect to charging for services above mentioned?
Answered on 4 December 2018
I am advised that:
(a) Since 2011.
(b) Derby and Fitzroy Crossing.
(c) Fitzroy Crossing
2011 – 1 occasion
2012 – 1 occasion
2013 – 2 occasions
2014 – 4 occasions
2016 – 1 occasion
2017 – 2 occasions
2018 – 4 occasions
Derby Hospital -
2015 – 1 occasion
2016 – 1 occasion
2018 – 1 occasion
(d) Only sites in locations where GP services are not available provide these services. The fees were incorrectly charged in two of those sites.
(e) Please see tabled paper no.
WA Health Patient Fees and Charges Manual 2018/19, page 104. Refer Public Patients, Medical Services: No Charge should be billed to Medicare eligible patients for most services, including for age or health related medical examinations to obtain or renew a licence to drive a private motor vehicle.