Consumers Health Forum of Australia

You may have heard of the US-based mental health service BetterHelp in adverts on popular podcasts and social media, offering Australians a free therapy session if they sign up during June.

However, there is a worrying report published in The Guardian this week that the service is allegedly breaching consumers’ privacy laws in Australia. CHF is concerned about how Australia's healthcare system is continuing to be commercialised by private organisations, and we encourage consumers to be vigilant about how their data is used by overseas services.

For more information, visit:

‘Alarm bells should be going off’ as mental health counselling app expands into Australia, critics say Exclusive: Consumer advocates say BetterHelp’s wrongdoing overseas means privacy watchdog should investigate whether it has breached local laws

Do you have an interest in improving Australia’s healthcare system? We want to hear from YOU!

CHF invites you to participate in our June survey “Use of AI in healthcare", to help shape CHF’s future policy submissions and advocacy efforts. Australia’s Health Panel is an interactive platform dedicated to collecting the views of Australians on a range of health issues. The current survey will take up to 15 minutes to complete and is running throughout June, so don’t miss out on having your say!

To register and complete the survey, visit: https://ow.ly/VTcr50Slk57

: rewatch our hashtag in hashtag webinar with our expert panelists - Dr Roy Mariathas, Prof Farah Magrabi, Prof Stacy Carter & Jen Morris.

You'll learn more on:
- How AI is being used in general practice
- Safe use of AI in healthcare, including the use of generative AI for clinical documentation
- Research on the views of Australians on what they wanted to see in implementing AI in healthcare.

AI in Healthcare Webinar Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the healthcare industry, offering innovative solutions to many challenges.AI can help address some of health’s largest challenges including a depleted workforce, future threats to public health, ageing populations, and increasing complexity of health du...

CHF and the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) are searching for 12 consumers to join the inaugural CHF Digital Health Project Consumer Panel. As a member of this Panel, you will have the opportunity to share your experience, provide advice, and highlight consumer perspectives related to . The CHF Digital Health Project Consumer Panel will meet once every two months, six times yearly, for two years.

This partnership between CHF and ADHA was formed to give consumers the platform to provide input on how services and products can work better in real life situations.

Express your interest by 9am AEST Monday 24 June 2024, and for more information on this opportunity, please visit https://ow.ly/gRZq50SjG7g

In some good news for your morning, the Australian Government has recently published fresh data that shows the GP bulk billing rate continues to improve each month.

On 1 November 2023, the incentive for GPs to bulk bill children under 16, pensioners and other Commonwealth concession cardholders was tripled for most common consults. Since then, there has been a rise of 3.4% nationally. Pleasingly, states that historically have had lower bulk billing rates have seen the largest increases, with an 8.1% increase in Tasmania, and a 5.5% increase in the ACT.

CHF is pleased to see improvements in bulk billing rates, recognising that this is a huge win for everyday Australians, particularly those with chronic illnesses who visit a GP more frequently. We want to see the rates of bulk billing continue to increase each month so more Australians can get the care they need when they need it without having to consider cost.

CHF CEO Dr Elizabeth Deveny welcomed the new figures: “Bulk billing is such an important part of making healthcare affordable and accessible in Australia. We’ve been hearing for some time from consumers that they are deferring health appointments due to cost. The investment into Medicare is crucial for building a stronger primary care health system that benefits consumers.”

For more information, visit:

New data shows bulk billing improves each month Newly released data shows the GP bulk billing rate continues to improve each month, since the Australian Government tripled the bulk billing incentive on 1 November.

During , CHF acknowledges the recent Federal Budget commitment of $38.8 million toward the continued funding the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. From 1 July 2024, the eligible screening age will be lowered from 50 to 45.

The risk of bowel cancer increases with age, but it can occur in younger people – often without symptoms. If found early, more than 90% of cases can be successfully treated.

To learn more about the program, or to order your free screening kit, visit https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program

Our FREE AI in Healthcare webinar is only 2 days away ⌚

We'll be diving into the existing applications of AI in healthcare, debating the risks and benefits for both the Australian healthcare sector and consumers, and discussing what the future holds.

Facilitated by CHF’s CEO, Dr Elizabeth Deveny, you’ll hear insightful discussion from experts in their field, including:

✔ Dr Roy Mariathas | Member of the RACGP Expert Committee for Practice Technology and Management
✔ Professor Farah Magrabi | Professor of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation at Macquarie University University
✔ Professor Stacy Carter | Director, Australian Centre for Health Engagement, Evidence and Values at UOW: University of Wollongong, Australia
✔ Jen Morris | Independent Consumer Representative

📆 Thursday 13 June | 1pm – 2:30pm

Secure your spot now | https://ow.ly/WmUz50S1xOB

Do you know that you have the right to express your concerns, seek an explanation and make a complaint if you're dissatisfied with your healthcare experience or outcome?

Making a complaint can sometimes be difficult, but there are tips that can help you with this process.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, developed with input from consumers, has recently released a series of animations for patients, families, and carers to help them navigate issues related to their healthcare experience.

These animations provide practical tips, explain healthcare rights, and guide consumers through the complaint process, including where to begin and where to go for help if you need to take your complaint further.

You can watch more of the animations over at safetyandquality.gov.au/complaints

Our CEO Elizabeth Deveny expressed her disappointment at the low rates of practitioners adding their fees to the government’s Medical Cost Finder website, which was raised this week during Senate Estimates. In The Sydney Morning Herald article linked below, Dr Deveny discusses bill shock, costs of care and the need to build a financially stable and transparent healthcare system for all Australians.

Read more:

This $24m website should let you compare medical fees. Only 20 doctors have used it “So, over $1 million per doctor on the website?” Senator David Pocock asked department officials at budget estimates.

Our FREE AI in Healthcare webinar is only 1 week away ⌚

We'll be diving into the existing applications of AI in healthcare, debating the risks and benefits for both the healthcare sector and consumers, and discussing what the future holds.

Facilitated by CHF’s CEO, Dr Elizabeth Deveny, you’ll hear insightful discussion from experts in their field, including:

✔ Dr Roy Mariathas | Member of the RACGP Expert Committee for Practice Technology and Management
✔ Professor Farah Magrabi | Professor of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation at Macquarie University
✔ Professor Stacy Carter | Director, Australian Centre for Health Engagement, Evidence and Values at University of Wollongong
✔ Jen Morris | Independent Consumer Representative

📆 Thursday 13 June | 1pm – 2:30pm

Register now | https://ow.ly/WmUz50S1xOB

AI is already being used in healthcare. However, the sudden rise of generative word modelling, such as ChatGPT, prompts CHF to raise significant concerns, as many features of generative AI software may pose significant risks to consumers when used in a healthcare setting.

While healthcare consumers, healthcare services, and healthcare financing institutions could all potentially benefit from wider adoption of generative AI, the risks are primarily borne by consumers.

CHF recently made a submission to the Senate Select Committee on Adopting Artificial Intelligence to guide the committee on the risks that unregulated adoption of generative AI would have in healthcare.

So, what were some of our recommendations?

✔ Healthcare safety and quality regulatory institutions must work cooperatively with consumers, clinicians, and AI developers to address critical regulatory grey areas.

✔ AI algorithms must be vetted against bias. This is a fundamental step to prevent algorithms from exacerbating existing discriminatory practices towards marginalised groups.

✔ Legislation must protect consumers against data being used for perverse profiteering.

✔ Development of resources to increase AI literacy in the Australian population, particularly its applications within healthcare provision.

To read the full report, visit our website https://ow.ly/icAu50S7R9f

Did you see last night’s story on 9 News on the trend of private health insurers moving into offering services in the digital primary healthcare space, such as video and telephone consults?

While private insurers claim it's helping make entry-level care accessible, CHF hold concerns that the incentives could encourage a system where wealth determines access to care.

You can watch the full story here https://ow.ly/Im3Q50S7R4J

We’d love to know your thoughts on this topic 💭
Do you think these types of incentives that private health insurers are offering to their customers is contributing to a two-tied healthcare system? What concerns do you have?

Fears new health insurance perks could lead to a two-tiered healthcare system Fears new health insurance perks could cause a rift in Aussie healthcare accessBy Eleanor Wilson7:16pm Jun 3, 2024 Tweet Facebook Mail While new extras from Australia's biggest health insurers claim to offer customers more bang for their buck, consumer advocates warn it could be contributing to a tw...

Keep a look out for our CEO, Dr Elizabeth Deveny, on 9 News tonight 👀📺

Tonight's story investigates the trend of private health insurers moving into offering services in the digital primary healthcare space, such as video and telephone consults.

Hear what CHF had to say on what private health insurers and consumers alike should consider.

Last week, we were honoured to have the Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, present an overview of the Health Budget at our webinar.

Attended by a wide range of consumers, health professionals, peak bodies and policy makers, Minister Butler shared the key health measures included in this year’s budget and what they mean for consumers. A wide range of questions from participants were submitted including Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, mental health initiatives, LGBTQIA+ health and many more.

The opportunity to have an audience with the Minister is incredibly important to elevate the consumer voice. And when consumer voice is heard, it helps contribute to the design and implementation of health reforms to make our health system more affordable, accessible and safe for all Australians.

We thank the Minister for the generosity of his time. To rewatch the webinar, head over to our YouTube channel 📺https://youtu.be/r7aSebi6tak

Are you interested in contributing to improving health literacy for the use of medicines and medical devices?

The Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology (QUDTP) program supports the quality use of medicines and medical tests for health professionals and patients in Australia.

CHF is supporting two initiatives within the health literacy stream to help educate patients and their families on strategies to manage their medication needs.

We currently have two consumer engagement opportunities available to help elevate the consumer voice in key projects:

💊 Steering committee positions to support the development the National Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) Health Literacy Roadmap.
Expressions of interest close 30 May. Learn more at https://ow.ly/KcGC50RXJgL

💊 Steering committee positions to support the development and implementation of a national multi-disciplinary Health Professional Education Package.
Expressions of interest close 13 June. Learn more at https://ow.ly/GSbZ50RXJgK

While you don’t need to be an expert in research to be a suitable candidate, both of these opportunities are suitable for individuals who have lived experience with extensive use of medicines who can share their experience, provide advice and highlight consumer perspectives.

For more information or to apply, visit our website.

This week at CHF, we’re celebrating National Reconciliation Week (NRW), which runs from 27 May to 3 June.

The theme this year, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, good health is more than the absence of disease or illness; it is a holistic concept that includes physical, social, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing, for both the individual and the community.

Let’s listen to the wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and elevate their voice in health policy to create equitable, timely and culturally safe healthcare.

To learn more visit https://ow.ly/KZcQ50RTIpi

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the healthcare industry offering innovative solutions.

AI can help address some of health’s largest challenges including a depleted workforce, future threats to public health, ageing populations, and increasing complexity of health due to multiple chronic conditions.

But what are the risks?

Join us for a CHF Talks webinar where experts in their field discuss the current state of AI in healthcare and the clinical and social implications. You'll learn how AI is changing the patient experience and the ethical considerations for AI in healthcare.

Register now at https://ow.ly/qRyu50RS8cJ

The Federal Government will ban all compounding pharmacists from making replica versions of diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, widely used off-label for weight loss, amid public safety concerns.

Pharmacies compounding their own versions of these medications have been ordered to stop production from October 1, 2024.

While CHF welcomes the ban on compounding replica Ozempic, consumers who legitimately need access cannot be left worse off when the ban starts. CHF remains concerned about how supply will be guaranteed to Australian consumers and strongly encourages the Australian Government to do what it can to ensure supply.

Read CHF's response over to the ban over on our website 👉 https://ow.ly/XATC50RRXlV

Last week, the Federal Budget delivered $8.5 billion in total new health investments across a wide range of health initiatives including new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, access to mental health services, medicines, prevention and screening, and aged care.

But what does it mean for you?

This Friday it's your chance to hear directly from the Minister of Health, the Hon Mark Butler, on how these initiatives benefit consumers, healthcare providers, and the broader community. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with the Minister and ask your questions on how the Health Budget impacts you.

This webinar is not to be missed!

📅 Friday 24 May, 2.30pm AEST

Hurry, registrations close soon.
Register now at https://ow.ly/oTuE50RMPCX

Federal Budget 2024/25: Health Budget overview with Minister for Health, the Hon Mark Butler MP What do the key budget measures delivered in the health portfolio mean for you? Join our special guest the Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, as he takes us through the health budget measures for the next financial year. We’ll also be discussing Minister Butler’s vision for t...

Today is IDAHOBIT – The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia 🌈

CHF has a very proud legacy in the LGBTIQA+ community, with our history starting through the HIV/AIDS movement in the 1980’s.

Since then, we have seen progress as to how LGBTIQA+ Australians experience their healthcare, but we know there are still barriers. We must continue to reduce stigma and discrimination so all members of the LGBTIQA+ community feel safe in accessing healthcare when and where they need it.

CHF will continue to work with our partners in the sector to advocate for a healthcare system which is more welcoming, inclusive and responsive to the needs of Australia’s LGBTIQA+ community.

Let's make sure everyone gets the healthcare they deserve 🌈

As the commentary on Tuesday night’s Federal Budget continues, we asked health consumers on how they feel the key measures announced will benefit them.

Meet Ella. Mum to three children who also provides care and support for other family members.

Tell us, what are your reflections of the healthcare measures in the Budget?

Last night’s reveal of the Federal Budget delivered progress in some areas of health but a missed opportunity in others.

CHF recognises the strides made in health care sectors, yet crucial opportunities to deliver comprehensive, affordable, and accessible healthcare were overlooked.

You can read more on CHF’s response to the Budget at our website https://ow.ly/CrjU50RGFP8

CHF calls on the Australian Government to make a trip to the pharmacist affordable and higher value for consumers.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is a critical program intended to keep medicines affordable for Australians. Here’s two measures that will make a difference.

💊 Firstly, the 60 Day Prescribing program has enabled many Australians to benefit from receiving twice the amount of their medication on a single prescription. CHF recommends that the Federal Government bring forward Tranche 3 of 60 Day Prescribing to 1 July 2024.

💊 Secondly, the PBS Safety Net currently requires pharmacists, on request by the consumer, to manually maintain records of the supply of PBS items on a paper record form. The lack of automation means that consumers are unnecessarily continuing to pay the full price for medicines despite reaching the payments threshold.

CHF recommends that the Federal Government invests in upgrading the IT infrastructure for the PBS Safety Net to integrate with MyHealthRecord. This would allow for consumers to be automatically given Safety Net pricing upon reaching the threshold.

You can read more in our full pre-budget submission on our website https://chf.org.au/publications/consumers-health-forum-budget-submission-2024-25

CHF urges the Federal Government to make it easier and more affordable for Australians to get the allied healthcare they need.

Allied health professionals can greatly assist in maintaining health or assisting in recovery. Yet from childhood speech pathology through to psychological services, many consumers report that while allied health does provide a benefit to them, the current funding model is out of reach.

While there are some measures in place that offset the cost, it’s not enough support to help consumers have ongoing relationships. This is due to the current model relying on consumers to privately pay for allied health services.

CHF recommends the Federal Government investigate and research how a tiered subsidised financial model of allied health care could work. This could help make allied health care more affordable and accessible to consumers who most need the care but can least afford it.

You can read our full pre-budget submission on our website https://ow.ly/4xk250RB3ks

CHF urges the Australian Government to make dental care more affordable and accessible in the upcoming Federal Budget.

Some Australians simply do not have access to essential oral healthcare with poor oral healthcare causing devastating effects on both the individual and the wider community. Now is a critical time for the Federal Government to take the lead on addressing the systemic failure of the current piecemeal approach.

As a member of the National Oral Health Alliance (NOHA), we repeat their call for funding for five immediate actions as a package:
🦷 Provide at least $500 million additional funding for public dental services.
🦷 Implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality & Safety and the recommendations of the Senate Select Committee into the Provision of and Access to Dental Services in Australia.
🦷 Provide funding to develop and implement a new 10-year Australian National Oral Health Plan.
🦷 Appoint a Chief Dental and Oral Health Officer.
🦷 Develop and implement a health levy on sugar sweetened beverages.

You can read our full pre-budget submission on our website https://ow.ly/E9gB50RB3eO

CHF believes it is vitally important for Australian consumers to be given the opportunity to understand their own health and what they can do to improve it. For this to happen, health literacy tools and information must be developed and provided to our diverse community.

The Understanding Medicare – Understanding your Health campaign, which is part of CHF's 2024/25 Budget submission, would give consumers the health literacy tools to help them save money, navigate the health system and improve their health.

The campaign aims to educate the community on what they can do with the current Medicare system to help them better afford their health care. For example, some people don’t know that under Medicare they can get many pathology or radiology services bulk-billed or that Medicare funds many hospital services.

CHF recommends the Federal Government fund $5 million to implement the Understanding Medicare – Understanding Your Health community education sessions.

You can read our full pre-budget submission on our website https://ow.ly/1xpN50RA0h4

Have you or a loved one experienced paediatric palliative care and would like to share your experiences?

Palliative Care Australia is currently leading the Shaping the Future of Palliative Care project to strengthen the delivery of paediatric palliative care.

There are several opportunities for parents, carers, young people and families to contribute to the project – from sharing your story, participating in workshops and working groups through to providing feedback on resources.

PCA values consumers as partners in this significant project. By co-designing activities together, PCA believes that the outcomes of the project will reflect real experiences, needs and aspirations.

To find out more or to express your interest visit https://ow.ly/yat350Rx1Ar