Australian specialist doctor fees rise faster than inflation

Australian specialist doctor fees are skyrocketing, with out-of-pocket costs rising significantly faster than inflation. This surge is forcing many patients to delay or forgo necessary care, with some reporting a 36% fee increase for a single appointment. Rising overheads and a shortage of specialists contribute to the problem. Experts cite a lack of transparency in pricing and insufficient public system capacity as key issues, while government efforts to address the problem are ongoing.