Women dealing with endometriosis will soon gain access to longer subsidised specialist appointments under Medicare in attempts for patients to receive a quicker diagnosis and treatment.
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The federal government will set aside $49.1 million in Tuesday's budget to allow for women to access longer specialist consultations and increased rebates for gynaecological care.
Longer specialist appointments for conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome of 45 minutes or more will be covered by Medicare from July 2025.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other parts of the abdomen.
While the condition is estimated to affect at least one in nine Australian women, it takes on average seven years before a diagnosis is received.
Health Minister Mark Butler said the subsidised longer appointments would aim to allow more women to receive a quicker diagnosis.
"Women are suffering unnecessarily. They're having their experiences dismissed, being called hysterical and accused of drug shopping. Women's pain is real and it's time we stop telling women to just suck it up," he said.
"We need women and more doctors to know about endometriosis, so we can reduce the diagnosis delay and get the women the care they need."
It's expected the subsidies would provide 430,000 more services for women across Australia.
The two new items under the Medicare Benefits Scheme will provide higher fees for initial gynaecological consultation of $168.60 for a 45-minute appointment compared to a standard rate of $95.60.
Subsequent appointments will also have higher fees of $84.35, compared to regular rates of $48.05.
Australian Associated Press
