must be dedicated to innovation novation and use of efficient technology to rein in these sorts t off costs. t Wastage and inefficiency were rife in the system and there were those who believed the electronic health record would be a saviour. The room was told that My Health Record was imminent with government setting its sights on a July 1 national rollout. Medical devices and pharmaceuticals also came under the spotlight. Publicity around robotics and wonder drugs raised expectations in the community that their use was part of standard care. There was little understanding by consumers of the size of the gap payments these high-tech procedures incurred. This raised an interesting discussion about relative values versus outcomes. Was a $50,000 gap worth a $1000 gap if the broad outcomes were comparable? Is it a reasonable expectation that the taxpayer/health insurer should pick up that tab? The breakfast concluded with what was described as the linchpin of the discussion – education and communication. Consumers of the future must be literate and accountable for their own health and have a deeper understanding of relative values of treatments if the system were to flourish.
The Panellists Rob Bransby, CEO of HBF Dr Jill Orford, paediatric surgeon Dr Hilary Fine, GP, representing IPN Ms Sarah Wells, medical finance specialist Mr Roger Cook, WA Opposition spokesman for health Dr Colin Hughes, retired GP
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