Medicare again: EPC to be cancelled?

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Hi all, I know I am opening up a can of speculative worms, but I treated a Dental practice manager last week, who said she heard that the EPS scheme will be cancelled this year. She said she heard it from Medicare staff. Apparantly the staff will not be overly open about this, but if asked further they will admit to this.
I told her ,our profession has not heard of such news, but it would cause a huge complaint based back lash, as the program has been hugely popular and clinically worthwhile. Has any body heard this on any factual basis?

 

I haven't heard it factual basis, but I have had patients telling me that they are all hurrying to get their dental treatments because they were cancelled next July.

I hope this isn't the case for podiatry. Although I'm not sure it will be. I have heard Logan city here in qld has been trialling 8visits a year instead of 5 with the allied health professionals. I'd like to see what comes of that one.

 

I think it may reffer to this

But on July 1st the make up of the senate changed.

 

Also found this from reports of the 2011-12 Budget

 

Just to put my 2 cents in:

I have had 3 patients this week tell me they thought EPC was winding up.

Not sure where the are getting their info from. I would have thought AHPRA would have advised the profession if this were the case.

Nick Ryan

 

When I was recently randomly audited by medicare the auditor did mention something about dentists rorting the system to some degree. I don't think they will end the EPC program for podiatrists ($250 per pt vs $4000+ for dentists)

 

I also agree with you. I am hopeful and would also think allied health won't be affected. Perhaps restructured or named but Im sure if people are hearing about dentistry we would have heard something by now.

I hope this is the case because my business is 100% epc....

 

Even if they don´t cancel the EPC system I would suggest looking at way to change your dependence on the system - Change in Government etc , same as an investor who only invests in 1 thing - wiser to spread the investment.

Just an idea.

 

I've actually been Looking into other areas, the epc side took off very quickly and grew fast. Now that I have a steady flow, that's definately next on my agenda!