Medicare is failing women and it’s About Bloody Time things changed.

Around 1 million Aussies are suffering from endometriosis, a condition that causes chronic pain and infertility. There is no cure.

The current Medicare system pays a very low rebate for gynaecological care, leaving women with two options: short consults that barely scratch the surface of their issues, or huge out of pocket expenses. For many, it’s both.

In rural or regional areas, it’s nearly impossible to get help.

We are campaigning for longer, Medicare-funded consultations for endometriosis diagnosis and treatment, so women can get the help they need, no matter where they live.

What women say:

"I was horizontal in the dressing room in just so much pain. I remember looking at the clock and our show was at 10am and it was 9.55am, and I couldn't get myself off the floor.” - Emma Watkins on battling endometriosis while on tour with The Wiggles

“I remember sitting at the desk and I was so unwell. I remember just [being in] a cold sweat. I had a blanket on my lap. A bucket next to me. My best friend was producing me in the control room and just talked me through it, and thanks to that,I got through this awful week of pain.” - TV presenter Julie Snook, on dealing with endo pain while working at Channel 9.

“I was 18 and the doctor told me to ‘be prepared because people with endometriosis can’t have kids’. It was so weird the way he said it, so very black and white, and I remember walking out into the room where my mum was waiting and I started crying.” - Fitness queen and businesswoman Kayla Itsines

“It has affected my dating life, and I’ve given up on dating if I’m honest. They think you’re going to be embarrassing and you just feel not loveable enough.” Radio personality Mel Greig

The solution:

A new Medicare Item Number for longer consultations of 45 minutes or more, in line with what is paid to other specialists including gastroenterologists, cardiologists and neurologists would allow gynaecologists to offer better care, and attract more specialists to work in the field, lifting the standard of care nationwide.

How you can help:

We need your help to petition the Federal Health Minister Mark Butler to make this change so Aussie women don’t have to suffer in silence anymore. It’s About Bloody Time.

 

 

 

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