Auck. doctors to discuss fees

Press, 14 May 1984, Page 8

Auck. doctors to discuss fees

PA Auckland Members of the Auckland branch of the Medical Association will meet this week to discuss the Government’s $1 fee increase restriction.

Confusion and anger among many general practitioners over the Government guidelines restricting onsultancy fee increases ad prompted the meeting n Wednesday, according to he president of the association’s Auckland division, Dr arold Harding. said last evening that t was hoped the meeting would clear the air over the directive. He also indicated that a clear stand by the division was likely.

“We would like to sort out some clear guidelines as to hat action we should- take” Dr Harding said.

Late last week the Medical Association passed to members a Government directive that they must keep fee increases to no more than $1 above the rate charged during the price freeze, unless they could satisfy the Trade and Industry Department that a higher increase was warranted.

Many doctors are said to have already raised tjonsul-

tancy fees 20 to 25 per cent. One general practitioner suggested last evening that doctors would need to increase charges 60 to 90 per cent to catch up with present rates.

Auckland membership of the Medical Assocaition, of between 500 and 600, represented about 60 per cent of qualified doctors in the region, but included about 90 per cent of those in private practice who- are charging fees, according to Dr Harding.