Gaps In Intensive Care

Historically, the vast majority of Intensivists around Australia have not charged their patients gaps.

However, many Intensivists believe that the current Medicare rebates for their services are clearly inadequate, and are well below those recommended by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) as being fair fees. The Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS) has been negotiating with the Federal Government for several years to improve the rates, but without success.

In addition, the loading offered by most health funds for Intensive Care services is only between 2 to 12% above the Schedule Fee, and varies widely between different health funds. This is significantly less than that offered to other specialists (see Patient Billing).

ANZICS and individual Intensive Care Units have tried negotiating with a number of the private health insurance funds to increase their loading, again without success.

Accordingly, some Intensive Care Specialists may choose to charge gaps if they believe that the current payment for their services is inadequate.