GPs will be expected to give their patients an education on the workings of the MBS when making a referral, under the Federal Government’s latest plan to tackle medical bill shock.

The government is creating an online database listing non-GP specialists’ fees, saying it will help patients make informed decisions about where to go for treatment.

The website was recommended by the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Out-of-pocket Costs in a report released on Saturday, which found “egregious” gap fees were leading to financial hardship for patients and damaging the private health funds.

Specialists will not be forced to sign up to the system; however, it is expected to come online within two years at a cost of $6.5 million.