Is real reform of the Medicare Benefits Schedule for psychiatrists in Australia economically, socially or professionally desirable?
OBJECTIVE
To propose alternative Medicare Benefits Schedule-based funding models for outpatient psychiatric services in Australia.


METHODS
Development of alternative funding schedules for a variety of under-serviced populations.


CONCLUSIONS
Consideration of alternative systems is necessary to address the restrictive work practices, inequity and poor distribution of the psychiatric workforce.
Hickie
Ian
I
Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. ianh@med.usyd.edu.au
Davenport
Tracey
T
Luscombe
Georgina
G
Scott
Elizabeth
E
Mackenzie
Elizabeth
E
Morgan
Hugh
H
Wilson
Andrew
A
Barton
David
D
Barrett
Elaine
E
D001294:Attitude to Health; D001315:Australia; D005245:Fee Schedules; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000191:economics*; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics* / Q000458:organization & administration; D011365:Professional Practice Location; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000191:economics*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D000078329:Workforce