Variations in out-of-pocket costs for primary care services across Australia: a regional analysis

Callander, Emily, Larkins, Sarah, and Corscadden, Lisa (2017) Variations in out-of-pocket costs for primary care services across Australia: a regional analysis. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 23 (4). pp. 379-385.

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Abstract

The aim of this study is to describe average out-of-pocket costs across different regions of Australia, as defined by Primary Health Network (PHN) boundaries, and assess the association between population characteristics and out-of-pocket costs for selected primary care services. A combination of descriptive and regression analysis was undertaken using administrative data from the Australian Department of Human Services reporting on the health services used across PHNs in Australia. Those in regional areas paid significantly more for Allied Health services than those in capital cities (A$5.68, P = 0.006). The proportion of an area’s population aged 65 years and over was inversely related to out-of-pocket charges for Allied Mental Health (–A$79.12, P = 0.029). Some areas had both high charges and disadvantaged populations: Country South Australia, Northern Queensland, Country Western Australia, Tasmania and Northern Territory, or populations with poor health: Northern Territory and Tasmania. Although there was a large amount of variation in out-of-pocket charges for primary care services between PHNs in Australia, there was little evidence of inequality based on health, age and socioeconomic characteristics of a population or the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Item ID: 49664
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1836-7399
Funders: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
Projects and Grants: NHMRC Early Career Fellowship APP1052742
Date Deposited: 25 Jul 2017 05:13
FoR Codes: 38 ECONOMICS > 3801 Applied economics > 380108 Health economics @ 100%
SEO Codes: 91 ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK > 9102 Microeconomics > 910209 Preference, Behaviour and Welfare @ 50%
92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920408 Health Status (e.g. Indicators of Well-Being) @ 50%
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