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Well acknowledged
examples are the distinction in the airline industry where if
you pay for first class, your service is upgraded in seating,
food, waiting times, luggage availability etc.
It is a great option for busy people with the money to pay.
The same applies to hotels and numerous examples we take for granted
each day.
But should it apply to medical services?
In our egalitarian health system the recent example of a suburban
practice grading their service to patients with 'quick service
and no waiting times', to come and wait and you will be seen when
higher paying patients have been seen, has been the talk of the
town.
Given that emergency patients are seen as required, then the rest
of the patients in the waiting room are seen as their pocket allows.
If you are time poor and money rich, then you have the prerogative
of paying up to $30 above the basic rebate fee to be seen by the
Doctor straight away with no waiting.
On the other hand if the patient has all day to wait, and no money,
then they will be able to see a Doctor in turn after paying 'first
class' patients have been seen.
Reports from where this scheme has been implemented are positive
from both the practitioners and the patients.
Everyone understands the dilemma posed by the busier than usual
practice in an area where doctors are in short supply and high
demand.
Changes in the medical rebate system have seemingly made this
possible.
Is this the beginning of a new way?
Could it be applied across the board to other areas.
For example in Pharmacy - a fast track?
Pay more but get the better service, including shorter waiting
times.
It remains to be seen as the babble around this new and highly
publicised scheme settles, but I have a feeling that this is just
the start.
What do other practitioners in other ares of service have to say.
Perhaps in the interest of keeping the doors open, this option
could become common.
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