Getting Best Practice Pain Treatment the Real Gap

Despite paying hefty fees in the hope of better care, people with chronic pain are literally being short-changed by private health insurers.

A focus on surgical interventions and procedures as one-off solutions to problems is inconsistent with a best-practice approach to managing chronic pain, for the vast majority of pain conditions.

Out-of-pocket costs for allied health can equate to many thousands each year because the rebate structure is hopelessly inadequate for managing chronic conditions, including chronic pain, where a best-practice approach relies on regular allied health consultations.

According to health professionals, most patients reach their yearly allocation for allied health services within the first four to six months of the year.

There are few nominated allied health professionals trained in pain management, which can mean consultations are unhelpful, and even fewer pain management programs on offer, despite their effectiveness at reducing pain and demand for surgery, and improving function and quality of life.

However, for many consumers, the alternative is simply not an option.  With long wait lists to access pain specialists in public pain clinics across most of Australia, the public system does not have capacity to absorb a mass exodus from private health insurance.

Getting serious about helping people living with pain has to be reflected in what private health insurance has to offer consumers.

“The Federal Government must ensure private health insurance companies adequately meet the needs of people with chronic pain,” says Painaustralia CEO Carol Bennett.

“We need a fairer rebate structure that supports a best practice approach to pain management and recognises the health care needs of people with chronic pain and other chronic conditions.

“This will not just benefit consumers, it will also save private health insurers and the government significant costs in often unnecessary interventions and by helping people return to work and contribute more to our communities.”

Please download our submission to the Senate Inquiry into the value and affordability of private health insurance and out-of-pocket medical costs to find out more.