New Information Sheet on Surgical Fees

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) has developed an information sheet to support patients and referring doctors on the issues surrounding surgical fees.
The information sheet details questions to ask and the rights of patients, and has been produced in close consultation with consumer advocates, health insurers, the ACCC and other key groups.
College President Michael Grigg says high fees do not necessarily guarantee quality of treatment, care or outcome and that those charging excessive fees are in breach of the College’s Code of Conduct and will be dealt with by the College.
“While the vast majority of surgeons do the right thing by their patients we are still seeing reports in the media of excessive and even extortionate fees being charged,” Professor Grigg said.
Key points on the information sheet are the RACS:

• strongly supports full disclosure and transparency of fees as early as possible in the patient-doctor relationship


• advocates that patients understand all available treatment options


• encourages concerned patients to seek second opinions on recommended treatments and the fees to be charged