GPs hit back at ‘little Medicare frauds’ accusation

The newspapers behind the $8 billion rort claim now say doctors are sharing tips on how to dodge Medicare audits and raise gaps fees without patients noticing
Dr April Armstrong.

A GP targeted in the latest media attack on doctors over the use of ‘pack and stack’ techniques to maximise their Medicare billings says her work is being twisted to undermine GPs’ reputation.

Dr April Armstrong was responding to a Nine investigation that says doctors have been using private Facebook groups to share MBS ‘cheat sheets’, tips on avoiding audits and ways to increase gap fees without patients noticing.

It also refers to posts on the GPs Down Under Facebook group where a doctor, not named in the article, ‘jokingly’ shared a list of ‘little Medicare frauds’.

The list included taking unnecessary blood pressure tests when a patient applies for a commercial driving licence and claiming rebates for the time talking to the relatives of patients in aged care (see below).