Fed: Gaps still exist in indemnity package - AMA

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Fed: Gaps still exist in indemnity package - AMA

CANBERRA, Dec 12 AAP - Doctors today warned that gaps still existed in the federalgovernment's medical indemnity rescue package.

In October the government announced a long-awaited issue to deal with the medical indemnitycrisis, which has seen insurance premiums skyrocket due to rising payouts, increasinglitigation and the fallout from September 11 and the HIH collapse.

Under the package, the government will subsidise insurance premiums for obstetricians,neurosurgeons and GP proceduralists, and will also pay half the cost of payouts over $2million from January next year.

Doctors also face a long-term levy to pay for unbudgeted future insurance claims.

Australian Medical Association (AMA) president Kerryn Phelps said grassroot doctorsall around Australia had raised queries about the package.

"As it stands, the package does not provide for cover for doctors who wish to retire,nor does it provide for future settlement of large claims," Dr Phelps said.

"Doctors and patients must have security for the future - security to stay in medicalpractice and security that communities will continue to have accessible and affordablemedical services."

The parliament passed legislation this week which will allow the package to be put into place.

"The medical indemnity bills introduced to the parliament this week go some way towardseasing the crisis, but concerns remain over the medical indemnity insurance cap and thepossibility that disabled or retired doctors will face heavy premiums for years afterthey leave practice," Dr Phelps said.

AAP so/kjp/sco

KEYWORD: INDEMNITY