Australian Medical Association calls for simple informed financial consent rules

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) submitted a response to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s consultation on informed financial consent (IFC) and fee transparency. The AMA said most practitioners already provide patients with cost information and warned that expanding regulatory or complaints mechanisms – such as extending the remit of the PSR, ACCC, or creating a new regulator – could create a perception that doctors are dishonest, increase administrative burdens and distress clinicians.

The AMA recommended a profession‑led approach focused on education and clear communication, suggesting that IFC be provided in writing before planned procedures and that information be made available through resources such as the Medical Costs Finder website. It emphasized that out‑of‑pocket costs are driven by a range of factors beyond doctors’ fees, including Medicare rebates, insurer schedules and practice costs.