MBS freeze to hit doctors, allied health spared
14th May 2013
By Paul Smith
Tuesday night's Federal budget will target only MBS rebates for doctors' services, with rebates for nurses and other allied health professions escaping the expected indexation freeze, Australian Doctor understands.
The freeze on indexation - which usually increases patient rebates from between 1.5% to 2.5% each year - is calculated to save at least $1.5 billion in four years as the government scrambles to fill a $18 billion hole in its accounts.
While the government is expected to brief health stakeholders on its plans today, it is