Background: Media reports suggest that growth in urgent, after-hours Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) claims has coincided with an increasing number of after-hours medical deputising services (AHMDSs). This article assesses these claims in the context of an increasing presence of AHMDSs.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of MBS claims data for general practitioner (GP) after-hours items from 2010–11 to 2015–16 was conducted. The Tasmanian experience is presented as a case study.

Results: The number of claims was greatest for MBS item number 597 (urgent, sociable after-hours consultations), increasing by 170% over the study period. For jurisdictions with dates identified for the introduction of AHMDSs, dramatic growth in per capita claims were observed: 1270% for the Australian Capital Territory, 485% for Tasmania and 150% for the Northern Territory. For Tasmania, no decrease in emergency department presentations was observed.

Discussion: Rapid increases in after-hours claims for MBS item number 597 have coincided with the introduction of AHMDSs in three jurisdictions. The impact on patient outcomes and equitable resource distribution requires attention.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	Medicare, after-hours, value in health
Research Division:	Economics
Research Group:	Applied economics
Research Field:	Health economics
Objective Division:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Group:	Expanding knowledge
Objective Field:	Expanding knowledge in the health sciences
UTAS Author:	de Graaff, B (Dr Barbara de Graaff)
UTAS Author:	Nelson, M (Professor Mark Nelson)
UTAS Author:	Neil, A (Associate Professor Amanda Neil)
ID Code:	117148
Year Published:	2017
Web of Science® Times Cited:	6
Deposited By:	Menzies Institute for Medical Research
Deposited On:	2017-06-01
Last Modified:	2018-06-04
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