May 13, 2011

MEDIA RELEASE – EMBARGOED TO 1PM, FRIDAY, MAY 13

Health Funds Association welcomes ACC surgery report

The Health Funds Association (HFANZ) has welcomed the findings of ACC’s review of elective surgery decision-making released today.

HFANZ chief executive Roger Styles said the review identified a pragmatic path forward which addressed a number of issues relating to how ACC dealt with elective surgery.

“The commitment to improving clinical decisions, their consistency and timeliness should see a significant reduction in the number of reviews, which is good news for those seeking treatment,” he said.

“The health insurance sector is optimistic that the improvements identified will help to better match the appropriate funding with elective surgery, reduce treatment delays and administrative costs, and generally improve patient outcomes.”

Mr Styles complimented ACC for conducting the review professionally and engaging stakeholders along the way. He said he was looking forward to ongoing dialogue on some of the areas identified for further investigation.

ENDS.