RACS welcomed the opportunity to respond to this consultation and supports the Government's focus on improving fee transparency, noting it is one factor that can contribute to access and affordability.
Informed financial consent (IFC) is an essential component of ethical and patient-centred clinical practice. Effective IFC builds trust between patients and clinicians, reduces uncertainty surrounding treatment costs and supports shared decision-making.
The College strongly supports initiatives that improve patient understanding of healthcare costs, strengthen informed decision-making and promote transparency throughout the patient journey.
Addressing fee transparency alone will not address inequity of access to health care. Accordingly, RACS supports the development of a long-term strategy to maintaining a balance between the public and private sector.