Is Real Reform of the Medicare Benefits Schedule for Psychiatrists in Australia Economically, Socially or Professionally Desirable?

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To propose alternative Medicare Benefits Schedule-based funding models for outpatient psychiatric services in Australia. METHOD: Development of alternative funding schedules for a variety of under-serviced populations. CONCLUSIONS: Consideration of alternative systems is necessary to address the restrictive work practices, inequity and poor distribution of the psychiatric workforce.