HealthThe GuardianPsychiatrists and paediatricians among specialists most likely to charge ‘extreme’ fees, thinktank finds
A Grattan Institute report found 2.2 million Australians paid extreme specialist fees last year, with psychiatrists and paediatricians among the worst offenders.
Grattan Institute finds some doctors charge up to triple the fees of their peers – well beyond what can be justified by business running costs
The Grattan Institute found specialists are charging far beyond what Medicare rebate cuts or business costs can explain, hitting 2.2 million patients with extreme fees in 2025.
An extreme fee is defined as triple the Medicare schedule fee, and 250,000 extra patients are paying them each year, with psychiatry initial consultations averaging $351.
The report recommends forcing high-charging specialists to repay government rebates, which would affect around 2,000 doctors including more than 60% of private dermatologists.
The top 5% of psychiatrists charge a median out-of-pocket fee of $669 for an initial consultation, so it is worth asking your specialist for a fee estimate before booking.
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