Did you know you can ask your GP for an indefinite referral – so you don’t need a new one every year? Or ask to be sent for free to a public hospital clinic? Here are ways to keep costs down * $1,000 for a one-hour appointment: why are fees for Australia’s specialist doctors skyrocketing? Guardian Australia readers have described facing prohibitive costs, along with limited access, when trying to see medical specialists. Even GPs say referring to other specialists can be difficult to navigate, so it’s little wonder patients are confused about how to access affordable care. The Consumers Health Forum and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners say gaps in understanding of the health system contribute to Australians missing out on care or paying too much for it. They have called for greater health literacy, especially around Medicare. $1,000 for a one-hour appointment: why are fees for Australia’s specialist doctors skyrocketing? Continue reading...