ACCC authorises revised capped fees for the Canberra After Hours Locum Medical Service
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has granted authorisation to the Canberra After Hours Locum Medical Service (CALMS) to use a revised capped fee structure in its provision of after hours medical services in the ACT.
The ACCC first authorised CALMS to use a capped fee structure in 2005. Since then, CALMS has revised its fee structure to reflect changes and clarifications to the Medicare Benefits Schedule.
Under the capped fee structure, CALMS will not charge patients fees above certain levels. CALMS doctors are able to charge lower fees or bulk bill where appropriate and information provided by CALMS indicates that it is not uncommon for its doctors to bulk-bill patients in certain circumstances.
The ACCC considers that the capped fee structure promotes transparency and certainty regarding fees for patients seeking after hours primary medical care in the ACT. This certainty assists patients to make informed decisions.
Given the possibility of future changes to Medicare Benefits Schedule, or other relevant changes, the ACCC's authorisation allows CALMS to lower its capped fees without seeking a further re-authorisation from the ACCC. The authorisation does not allow for any increase to the capped fees.
*The Trade Practices Act 1974 prohibits certain forms of anti-competitive agreements, including agreements between competitors that limit their ability to deal with whom they choose or on the terms they choose (including price). Authorisation provides immunity from court action under the Act arising from such agreements but can only be granted where the ACCC is satisfied that the public benefit flowing from the conduct outweighs any public detriment.
