National Compendium of Medical Costs in Australian Workers Compensation

National Compendium of Medical Costs in Australian Workers Compensation for the Financial Years 1996-97, 1997-98 and 1998-99 HWCA AUSTRALIA A Publication of the Heads of Workers Compensation Authorities June 2000

Foreword Foreword On behalf of the Heads of Workers Compensation Authorities (HWCA) I have pleasure in releasing this National Compendium of Medical Costs in Australian Workers Compensation for the financial years 1996/97, 1997/98 and 1998/99. The HWCA comprises the Chief Executive Officers of all Australian workers compensation schemes. The Chief Executive of the New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation is also a participant. Its primary goal is to reduce the social and economic cost of workplace injury and disease across Australia. Two key objectives of the HWCA are: to promote a better understanding of the differences in the various workers compensation schemes to facilitate meaningful benchmarking of scheme performance based on consistent data. The information contained in this document has been supplied by the various State and Territory workers compensation authorities and is intended to provide insight into claims expenditure and cost management strategies that operate in the various schemes. The information in this compendium is current as at January 2000. Should you wish to make any comments or suggested improvements to the content, please forward them to: Ms Kym Coulter Chair, National Medical Services Group c/- WorkCover Corporation (South Australia) GPO Box 2668 Adelaide SA 5001 Phone: (08) 8233 2452 Fax: (08) 8238 5690 George O Farrell Convenor Heads of Workers Compensation Authority 1

Contents Contents Chapter 1 Introduction 3 1.1 Background 3 1.2 Methodology 3 1.3 Structure of the compendium 4 Chapter 2 Medical costs: Influencing factors 5 2.1 Background to the workers compensation jurisdictions 5 2.2 Cost drivers 5 2.3 Factors influencing cost drivers 7 2.4 Special issues in workers compensation cost management 7 2.5 Cost management strategies 8 Chapter 3 Medical services summaries 11 3.1 Key Definitions for data extraction 11 Chapter 4 Medical data tables 13 Table 1.0 Claim payment summary 13 Table 2.0 Macro indicator legally qualified medical practitioners 14 Table 2.1 Professional group, anaesthetists 15 Table 2.2 Professional group, general practitioners 16 Table 2.3 Professional group, psychiatrists 17 Table 2.4 Professional group, radiologists 18 Table 2.5 Professional group, surgeons 19 Table 3.0 Macro indicator hospitals (public and private) 20 Table 3.1 Private hospitals 21 Table 3.2 Public hospitals 22 Table 4.0 Macro indicator allied health providers 23 Table 4.1 Professional group, chiropractors 24 Table 4.2 Professional group, physiotherapists 25 Table 4.3 Professional group, psychologists 26 Chapter 5 Cost management strategies across workers compensation authorities 27 5.1 Strategies summary 27 5.2 Comcare 28 5.3 New South Wales 29 5.4 Northern Territory 31 5.5 Queensland 33 5.6 South Australia 35 5.7 Tasmania 38 5.8 Victoria 39 5.9 Western Australia 42 Chapter 6 Summary 44 Chapter 7 Glossary of terms 46 Chapter 8 Further information 48 2

Introduction Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1 Background The Australian workers compensation schemes are employer-financed, occupational disability programs for work related injury and disease. All Australian workers compensation schemes provide for the payment of medical and hospital costs associated with occupational injury and illness and vary between the jurisdictions. The Heads of Workers Compensation Authorities (HWCA) promotes greater consistency between the various workers compensation jurisdictions within Australia. The National Medical Services Group (NMSG) is a specialist working party convened under the HWCA, consisting of representatives from all workers compensation jurisdictions. The primary objective of the NMSG is to identify and develop best practice with respect to the provision of medical and allied health services, which may be implemented across Australia, with particular reference to cost management. This compendium includes claims expenditure data that provides jurisdictions with an indicator of scheme performance, and a summary of cost management strategies being utilised by the various jurisdictions. The use of this document will increasingly enable jurisdictions to adopt and develop more consistent national approaches to the achievement of return to work outcomes, service quality, effectiveness and cost management. The compendium also provides the reader with an understanding of the elements that drive medical costs and the strategies that exist to control them. 1.2 Methodology The task was undertaken by the National Medical Services Group, a forum consisting of representatives from all Australian workers compensation schemes. The data contained within this compendium relates to medical costs and service patterns for all open claims, which have recorded at least one type of payment, in the financial years 1996/97, 1997/98 and 1998/99. The data has been collected from all jurisdictions between July and December 1999, to allow sufficient development time and to ensure data integrity. As each state and territory have varying capabilities regarding the collection of relevant medical service and cost data, it was agreed that information would be supplied in macro and micro format to ensure that a comparison across all jurisdictions was achievable. Due to key differences in the legislative framework and the extent of data able to be provided between each jurisdiction, disclaimers have been included within the document to explain where jurisdictions were unable to present all of the required information, or where the data presented differs from the key definitions. 3

Chapter 1. Introduction Only speciality groups that are considered the key providers of services (either due to expenditure or number of services provided to claimants), and on which jurisdictions were able to provide information have been included in this document. To ensure consistency in the data obtained, jurisdictions were provided with a package to complete which comprised a glossary of terms and definitions and explanations of each of the cost management strategies that were likely to be utilised. 1.3 Structure of the compendium The compendium has been structured to provide a general overview of medical and allied health costs, identification of potential cost drivers and management initiatives currently undertaken by each jurisdiction within Australia. However, there are a number of cost management strategies implemented by insurers in privately underwritten schemes that are not included in this document. Statistics for each jurisdiction (where applicable) over the 1996/97, 1997/98 and 1998/99 financial years for key speciality groups are contained in Chapter 4, Medical Data Tables. 4

Medical costs: Influencing factors Chapter 2 Medical costs: Influencing factors 2.1 Background to the workers compensation jurisdictions Each of the workers compensation jurisdictions within Australia operates independently within a legislative framework specific to the scheme. For this reason it is not possible to make a direct comparison of expenditure and cost management strategies across the schemes. The provisions for the payment of benefits to injured workers, including the payment of medical expenses, vary according to the legislation which applies within each jurisdiction. Each workers compensation jurisdiction has varying data collection capabilities and consequently the extent of medical cost and service data collated and presented within the cost compendium varies. It is important to note the key differences and give due consideration to these factors when reviewing the cost compendium. 2.2 Cost drivers When analysing medical cost and service data, it is necessary to identify the key factors contributing to the observed cost patterns. The identification of cost drivers allows each jurisdiction to understand trends in medical costs and to review the efficacy of existing cost management strategies, and to consider the establishment of further strategies where required. Cost drivers relevant to the workers compensation environment may include but are not limited to the following: Claims Experience This may relate to incidence rates, the number and type of claims lodged and accepted, i.e. injury dates, and severity. Claims costs within jurisdictions may also be affected by the claim duration i.e. from the date of injury to cessation of benefits and the outcome achieved, e.g. whether there is a full return to work with the same employer on pre-injury duties. Service behaviour (service usage) Relates to services that are provided on the basis of their appropriateness and necessity for the medical treatment of the compensable disability or disease. Service behaviour considers the type, frequency, duration and cost of the service. Service unit cost The price of a single service. 5

Medical costs: Influencing factors Service Mix This relates to the mix of the most common services provided, for example, costs may increase when providers shift from a lesser charged service (short or standard consultative service) to a higher charged service (eg, long or complex consultative service). Market Penetration Relates to the number of claims that continue to receive treatment from the specified provider group as a percentage of all claims receiving at least one type of medical service. Costs often increase when market penetration increases. Service provider involvement Relates to the number and type of providers involved in a claim, and the nature of services provided. The roles and responsibilities of providers can also be categorised as a cost driver, for example, legally qualified medical practitioners are responsible for certifying incapacity which in turn directly influences the payment of income maintenance benefits to injured workers. Medico-legal environment Medical providers are responsible for certifying disability, determining return to work dates, the identification of work restrictions and assessment of permanent disability. Consequently, providers frequently become involved in litigation concerning compensability or various entitlements. In this regard, providers are obliged to assist by providing factual information reasonably required (and with the patient's consent) concerning the patient's condition or injury, to nominated parties, eg, the patient's legal adviser. Cost management strategies Implemented in isolation or combination, the strategies can directly influence scheme costs, eg, by limiting the amount paid for services, or control the utilisation of medical or ancillary health services. Conversely, the lack of cost management strategies may be reflected in overall scheme performance and observed through an increase in medical and income maintenance expenditure, or poor claim and return to work outcomes. Injury management strategies Some schemes may introduce strategies to improve injury management. For example, an early intervention strategy whereby the provision of intense treatment in the early stages of the injury may produce increased medical expenses. This in turn can result in reduced income maintenance expenditure in the longer term as a consequence of an earlier return to work outcome. 6

Medical costs: Influencing factors 2.3 Factors influencing cost drivers The following points are examples of external factors that may influence not only cost drivers but the jurisdiction's ability to implement cost management strategies: Legislation and political environment Schemes are enacted by complex legislation and are subject to diverse political influence. For this reason, each scheme has developed its own service fee structure, entitlement criteria, treatment protocols and approach to the introduction or removal of medical excess. In addition, legislative differences in relation to common law issues or lump sum payments may also have an impact on the scheme's overall performance. State of labour market The state of the labour market can influence the ability to successfully return claimants to suitable employment, ie, to new job, new employer. State of economy The state of the economy may directly influence employer turnover, ie, the continuation of existing positions or availability of new employment opportunities. 2.4 Special issues in workers compensation cost management The distinctive nature of medical care within the individual workers compensation environments must be acknowledged. The following issues are often pertinent to the workers compensation system and can be considered when reviewing cost management strategies. The relevance of the following points will vary between the jurisdictions depending on legislative constraints: Doctors are empowered with significant responsibility relating to injury management. The treating doctor must consider issues of capacity and must determine whether the worker can be certified fit to return to work. Different parties are involved in the management of the claim, (ie, insurer, employer, doctor and other health care professionals) with which the doctor must communicate and be accountable to. The adverse effect of the workers compensation system on patient health and recovery is well documented. Payment of compensation for work related injuries have been linked with significantly longer periods of time off work, increased psychological disturbance and less positive response to treatment. 1 1 A retrospective controlled cohort study by Greenough and Fraser (1989) found that patients with back injuries receiving workers compensation payments displayed significantly longer periods off work and increased reported levels of pain and disability, compared with non compensable back injury patients. 7

Medical costs Influencing factors Worker choice of treatment provider. Treating providers may be chosen on the basis of their attitude towards workers compensation issues or based on the worker's personal experience with the provider rather than for their medical expertise and skills in the area of workers compensation. Some jurisdictions are considering adopting models of preferred providers, however there are concerns regarding patient satisfaction and quality of care based on US managed care models. Many workers will visit their family GP as the first point of contact when injured at work. Generally, workers compensation patients make up a very small component of a doctor's practice and the doctor may not be fully aware of issues unique to work related injuries and the return to work process. Workers compensation jurisdictions recognise that the primary focus of treatment should be directed at achieving outcomes, (eg, return to work at a reasonable cost) and not limited to cost management. However, to achieve the best outcomes possible it may be necessary to pay for specific quality services. The provision of targeted medical services may facilitate a more effective and timely return to work and a subsequent decrease in income maintenance payments. 2.5 Cost management strategies Cost management strategies are implemented in isolation or combination to control specific cost drivers operating in the workers compensation environment. Traditionally, a number of strategies have been implemented in workers compensation schemes to control costs related to medical expenses and to effect an outcome. Current cost management strategies have incorporated a significant shift in focus towards promoting the achievement of return to work outcomes, while maintaining the underlying goal of reducing scheme liability. 2.5.1 Approved Providers Although the use of approved provider networks may be used as a cost management strategy, the injured worker's right to access services from the provider of their choice is a common feature throughout many Australian workers compensation jurisdictions. The provider must meet minimum state registration, accreditation and approval requirements. These requirements vary between jurisdictions depending on that state's legislative and policy requirements. However, the worker maintains the right to choose a provider who meets the specified minimum requirements. 2.5.2 Service and Fee Schedules Some jurisdictions have developed service and fee schedules for a variety of groups. These allow workers compensation jurisdictions to prescribe maximum fees for services and procedures performed by various medical, hospital and allied health providers. Service and fee schedules provide a consistent definition of services and list clinical services and other related services that are provided only in the workers compensation environment. Medical fee schedules are the most common strategy adopted nationally and internationally as a method of defining appropriate services and reasonable costs. 8

Medical costs Influencing factors 2.5.3 Treatment Protocols/Guidelines Guidelines have been developed by some jurisdictions for the treatment of specific work related injuries in accordance with international best practice research. The aim of these guidelines is to increase overall treatment standards and improve the way in which certain injuries are medically treated and managed. The primary focus of treatment protocols/guidelines is improving patient health outcomes. The implementation of treatment protocols/guidelines also acts as a cost management strategy by allowing the identification and review of services that fall outside agreed practices specified within the treatment guidelines. 2.5.4 Provider Education & Information Due to the unique nature of injury management in the workers compensation environment, many jurisdictions develop education and information sessions specifically to address provider issues relating to servicing and cost. This in turn can influence a change in provider behaviour that may demonstrate a financial benefit to the scheme. Collaboration between workers compensation authorities and professional provider associations is critical in the development and facilitation of provider education programs. While the workers compensation authorities have a role in determining issues to be addressed through education, provider associations have an important role in the promotion of issues relating to areas of professional development and best practice. Provider education programs may be utilised as a cost management strategy throughout Australia, however the extent of the education and the involvement of the workers compensation authorities vary between jurisdictions. 2.5.5 Account Reviews In some jurisdictions account reviews are undertaken either by the workers compensation authority or the insurance agent acting in the delegated claims management function. Accounts are scrutinised to ensure that charges rendered are not in excess of prescribed rates, that the service provided is appropriate to the medical condition and that other account preparation standards are adhered to. The processes used to review accounts vary between each jurisdiction. 2.5.6 Performance Review A performance review is an assessment of a provider's total service behaviour. Providers may be targeted by the workers compensation authority on the basis of atypical service patterns, costs and outcomes achieved. Providers unable to explain or justify their service pattern may face a wide range of remedial responses including the provision of targeted education and information sessions. In some circumstances findings and reports may be forwarded to the appropriate registration board for further action. 9

Medical costs Influencing factors 2.5.7 Administrative processes and forms Some jurisdictions differentiate between medical services provided by the general practitioner and/or specialist, and those services which are provided under the referral and supervision of the treating doctor eg, chiropractic or physiotherapy. Consequently, some jurisdictions require providers to complete and forward a notification of treatment or similar forms after a specified number of visits. This type of reporting can assist the claims manager in the overall management of the claim, and provide an opportunity to work with the provider to focus treatment on achieving optimum outcomes. Profession specific management plans may also be used within the performance review process to assist jurisdictions in determining the necessity and appropriateness of the services provided. 10

Medical services summaries Chapter 3 Medical services summaries 3.1 Key definitions for data extraction Each state and territory have varying capabilities concerning the recording and collation of medical service and cost data. Therefore, information is provided in macro and micro format to allow for the variance in data collection capabilities between the jurisdictions. The definitions below provide the framework for the collection of data. Disclaimers in the following tables indicate where there is any deviation from these definitions. It must be noted that data for each cost group has been extracted on claims that are open/active and have recorded at least one type of payment during the nominated period. Claim: Macro level data: Income maintenance: Total claims number: Total claims cost: A workers compensation claim as defined by the relevant jurisdictions legislation where at least one type of payment has been recorded during the nominated period. Claims reported are non-exempt in status, except where otherwise indicated within the tables. This is the highest level data reported on, and comprises: The sum of compensation paid to the worker or employer for lost wages as a result of time off work relating to a compensable injury or disease. The sum of open or active workers compensation claims recorded and accepted with a workers compensation authority during a nominated period. Jurisdictions have separated the costs of exempt, and non-exempt claims where possible (refer to Glossary of Terms for definition of exempt employer). The sum of all workers compensation payments made against claims that were open/active during the nominated period and recorded at least one payment of that type. Includes medical, allied health, hospital (both public and private), income maintenance, and medicolegal expenses. Total medical related cost: Relates to the costs of all medical practitioners, allied health practitioners (as per definition over page) and hospital. Costs for medico-legal services may also be included. 11

Medical services summaries Mid level data Medical costs: Hospital cost: Allied health cost: Micro level data This is a breakdown of the macro level data and comprises: Includes the costs of services rendered by general practitioners, psychiatrists, all specialists and surgeons, anaesthetists, radiologists, dentists, and physicians (regardless of whether the services were rendered in a hospital or clinical environment). The sum of all public, private hospital and day hospital room expenditure. Includes service costs for any provider group other than legally qualified medical practitioners or vocational rehabilitation providers (unless indicated within the tables). For example, chiropractors, occupational therapists, opticians, physiotherapists, psychologists, speech pathologists, podiatrists, remedial therapists and gymnasium and hydrotherapy providers. Again, this group may also include costs for medico-legal services provided by those in the allied health group. This data is profession specific, (ie where possible jurisdictions have reported on the individual costs relating to particular professional groups.) This consists of: General Practitioners Surgeons Anaesthetists Radiologists Psychiatrists Specialists/Consultant Physicians Physiotherapists Chiropractors Psychologists The average cost data for public and private hospitals has also been separated and included at this level. 12

Medical data tables Chapter 4 Medical Data tables Table 1.0 Claim payment summary General note: Data has been extracted on open/active claims (may include claims lodged from date of scheme inception), and does not include self insurers/exempt data except where indicated Where disclaimer relates to all data, indicator is shown against state reference. Where disclaimer relates to specific cell, indicator is shown in that cell. Comcare NSW bt NT b Qld SA Tas b VIC a WA ou Total claim cost ($m) 1996-97 $149.6m $2017m dk $31.4m $190.6m f $344.5m $126.0m l $900.3m $359.9m 1997-98 $141.7m $2081m dk $41.1m $169.9m f $295.0m $120.5m l $963.4m $389.5m 1998-99 $133.2m n/a $42.4m $166.6m f $296.9m $122.3m l $1,072m $367.2m Total claims number 1996-97 27,835 295,339 5,823 65,535 54,565 18,573 89,882 n/a 1997-98 22,943 298,203 6,184 65,426 50,089 17,861 90,643 n/a 1998-99 19,508 n/a 6,490 60,260 46,090 16,543 90,408 n/a Average total cost per claim ($) 1996-97 $5,374 $6,829 $5,385 $2,792 $6,313 $6,784 l $10,000 n/a 1997-98 $6,177 $6,981 $6,650 $2,880 $5,889 $6,747 l $10,629 n/a 1998-99 $6,829 n/a $6,538 $3,015 $6,442 $7,394 l $11,862 n/a Total medical related ( inc medical, hospital & allied health) cost ($m) 1996-97 $33.5m $275.7m dk $4.8m $34.0m $49.0m f $18.5m $126.2m $70.6m 1997-98 $30.8m $302.6m dk $5.3m $32.5m $50.3m f $18.2m $131.8m $74.5m 1998-99 $23.5m n/a $5.2m $33.2m $49.3m f $18.2m $96.7m $67.8m Total medical related (inc medical, hospital & allied health) cost as % of Total Claim Expenditure 1996-97 22.3% 13.7% 15.2% 17.8% 14.2% 14.7% 14.0% 19.6% 1997-98 21.7% 14.5% 12.8% 19.1% 17.0% 15.1% 13.7% 19.1% 1998-99 17.6% n/a 12.2% 19.9% 16.6% 14.9% 9.0% 18.5% Total income maintenance cost ($m) 1996-97 $116.1m n/a $16.4m $102.4m $97.1m $41.0m l $304.8m $123.4m 1997-98 $110.9m n/a $18.7m $85.8m $101.5m $37.4m l $313.5m $126.6m 1998-99 $105.9m n/a $19.5m $77.7m $107.0m $32.6m l $318.1m $116.2m Average income maintenance cost per claim ($) 1996-97 $7,032 n/a $4,847 $4,072 $9,037 $4,292 l tba n/a 1997-98 $7,920 n/a $5,551 $4,282 $10,017 $4,788 l $8,513 n/a 1998-99 $8,491 n/a $5,777 $3,889 $10,711 $4,771 l $8,292 n/a Total number of income maintenance claims 1996-97 16,503 n/a 3,386 27,345 10,749 9,453 37,165 n/a 1997-98 13,998 n/a 3,370 23,815 10,133 7,809 36,826 n/a 1998-99 12,473 n/a 3,383 21,738 9,992 6,823 38,356 n/a Total number of claims that received a medical service 1996-97 24,730 210,844 5,464 65,255 50,664 16,337 n 66,619 n/a 1997-98 20,250 225,112 5,884 58,691 46,619 16,303 n 68,111 n/a 1998-99 18,089 n/a 6,234 54,370 43,375 14,852 n 68,054 n/a a = does not include medico-legal costs b = data includes costs for insurers and self insurers (exempts) d = medical treatment includes prescriptions, medical or surgical supplies, provision of crutches and other artificial aids or spectacles, home care, home and vehicle modifications f = public hospitals receive annual grant from WorkCover Qld k = allied health includes physiotherapy and chiropractic only l = income maintenance means compensation paid to worker including amounts paid under excess n = number of services derived by counting number of transactions with a medical service each month. This may result in an underestimation of number of services indicated o = source is actuarial assessment of returns by approved insurers and self insurers t = includes common law costs u = In 1998/99 RiskCover, the Government Insurance Funds (funded and unfunded), industrial diseases and the General Funds of the Insurance Commission of Western Australia were classified as a self insurer, and have not been included in payments. In previous years these funds have been classified with approved insurers and included in payments. n/a = data not available 13

Macro indicator legally qualified medical practitioners Table 2.0 Macro indicator legally qualified medical practitioners General note: Data has been extracted on open/active claims (may include claims lodged from date of scheme inception) and does not include self insurers/exempt data except where indicated. Where disclaimer relates to all data, indicator is shown against state reference. Where disclaimer relates to specific cell, indicator is shown in that cell. Comcare NSW d NT b Qld SA Tas b VIC a WA ou Annual Cost ($m) 1996-97 $17.3m $167.9m $3.3m $13.2m $27.0m $8.6m n/a $38.3m 1997-98 $15.6m $173.8m $3.6m $14.0m $28.6m $8.2m $51.1m $41.6m 1998-99 $10.8m n/a $3.3m $15.2m $28.5m $7.5m $50.4m $37.9m % of Total Medical Cost (%) 1996-97 51.6% 60.9% 68.7% 38.9% 55.1% 32.4% n/a 54.3% 1997-98 50.6% 57.4% 67.9% 43.0% 56.8% 45.0% 38.8% 55.8% 1998-99 46.0% n/a 63.5% 45.8% 57.8% 41.2% 52.1% 55.9% % of Total Claims Cost 1996-97 11.6% 8.3% 10.5% 6.9% 7.8% 6.8% n/a 10.6% 1997-98 11.0% 8.3% 8.7% 8.2% 9.2% 6.8% 5.3% 10.7% 1998-99 8.1% n/a 7.8% 9.1% 9.6% 6.1% 4.7% 10.3% Average Cost/Claim ($) 1996-97 $697 $796 $613 n/a $582 $576 n/a n/a 1997-98 $767 $772 $613 n/a $663 $565 $906 n/a 1998-99 $659 n/a $549 n/a $708 $554 $890 n/a No of Claims Receiving Service 1996-97 24,730 210,844 5,380 n/a 46,344 14,928 n n/a n/a 1997-98 20,250 225,112 5,794 n/a 43,102 14,528 n 56,474 n/a 1998-99 16,447 n/a 6,092 n/a 40,218 13,501 n 56,629 n/a a = does not include medico-legal costs b = data includes costs for insurers and self insurers (exempts) d = medical treatment includes prescriptions, medical or surgical supplies, provision of crutches and other artificial aids or spectacles, home care, home and vehicle modifications n = number of services derived by counting number of transactions with a medical service each month. This may result in an underestimation of number of services indicated. o = source is actuarial assessment of returns by approved insurers and self insurers u = In 1998/99 RiskCover, the Government Insurance Funds (funded and unfunded), industrial diseases and the General Funds of the Insurance Commission of Western Australia were classified as a self insurer, and have not been included in payments. In previous years these funds have been classified with approved insurers and included in payments. n/a = data not available 14

Medical data table anaesthetists Table 2.1 Macro indicator legally qualified medical practitioners Professional group, anaesthetists General note: Data has been extracted on open/active claims (may include claims lodged from date of scheme inception) and does not include self insurers/exempt data except where indicated. Where disclaimer relates to all data, indicator is shown against state reference. Where disclaimer relates to specific cell, indicator is shown in that cell. Comcare Qld SA VIC a Annual Cost ($m) 1996-97 $0.4m $3.1m $1.6m $2.5m 1997-98 $0.45m $3.0m $1.7m $3.1m 1998-99 $0.44m $3.1m $1.7m $3.0m % of Medical Cost (%) 1996-97 1.1% 9.3% 3.3% 2.0% 1997-98 1.5% 9.3% 3.3% 2.4% 1998-99 1.9% 9.3% 3.4% 3.1% % of Total Claims Cost (%) 1996-97 0.2% 1.6% 0.5% 0.3% 1997-98 0.3% 1.8% 0.6% 0.3% 1998-99 0.3% 1.9% 0.6% 0.3% Average Cost/Claim ($) 1996-97 $668 $288 $391 $277 1997-98 $597 $331 $413 $338 1998-99 $562 $340 $408 $338 No of Claims Receiving Service 1996-97 541 5,448 4,000 9,158 1997-98 762 4,962 4,222 9,279 1998-99 784 4,684 4,074 8,862 a = does not include medico-legal costs 15

Medical data table general practitioners Table 2.2 Macro indicator legally qualified medical practitioners Professional group, general practitioners General note: Data has been extracted on open/active claims (may include claims lodged from date of scheme inception) and does not include self insurers/exempt data except where indicated. Where disclaimer relates to all data, indicator is shown against state reference. Where disclaimer relates to specific cell, indicator is shown in that cell. Comcare SA VIC a Annual Cost ($m) 1996-97 $3.4m $6.5m $12.7m 1997-98 $3.1m $7.0m $13.4m 1998-99 $2.7m $6.9m $13.0m % of Medical Cost (%) 1996-97 10.1% 13.3% 10.1% 1997-98 10.1% 13.9% 10.2% 1998-99 11.5% 13.9% 13.4% % of Total Claims Cost (%) 1996-97 2.3% 1.9% 1.4% 1997-98 2.2% 2.4% 1.4% 1998-99 2.0% 2.3% 1.2% Average Cost/Claim ($) 1996-97 $215 $180 $300 1997-98 $241 $199 $305 1998-99 $247 $208 $293 No of Claims Receiving Service 1996-97 16,026 36,094 42,523 1997-98 12,958 35,286 43,969 1998-99 10,837 33,306 44,334 a = does not include medico-legal costs 16

Medical data table psychiatrists Table 2.3 Macro indicator legally qualified medical practitioners Professional group, psychiatrists General note: Data has been extracted on open/active claims (may include claims lodged from date of scheme inception) and does not include self insurers/exempt data except where indicated. Where disclaimer relates to all data, indicator is shown against state reference. Where disclaimer relates to specific cell, indicator is shown in that cell. Comcare Qld SA VIC a Annual Cost ($m) 1996-97 $1.6m $1.4m $1.4m $1.7m 1997-98 $1.6m $0.76m $1.3m $4.1m 1998-99 $1.3m $1.3m $1.2m $4.1m % of Medical Cost(%) 1996-97 4.8% 4.0% 2.9% 1.3% 1997-98 5.2% 2.3% 2.6% 3.1% 1998-99 5.5% 4.0% 2.4% 4.2% % of Total Claims Cost 1996-97 1.1% 0.7% 0.4% 0.2% 1997-98 1.1% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4% 1998-99 1.0% 0.8% 0.4% 0.4% Average Cost/Claim ($) 1996-97 $1,367 $1,127 $977 $710 1997-98 $1,477 $641 $967 $1,166 1998-99 $1,417 $557 $1,005 $1,134 No of Claims Receiving Service 1996-97 1,200 698 1,460 2,395 1997-98 1,062 1,137 1,358 3,482 1998-99 923 1,306 1,225 3,597 a = does not include medico-legal costs 17

Medical data table radiologists Table 2.4 Macro indicator legally qualified medical practitioners Professional group, radiologists General note: Data has been extracted on open/active claims (may include claims lodged from date of scheme inception) and does not include self insurers/exempt data except where indicated. Where disclaimer relates to all data, indicator is shown against state reference. Where disclaimer relates to specific cell, indicator is shown in that cell. Comcare Qld SA VIC a Annual Cost ($m) 1996-97 $1.7m $4.1m $3.4m $7.6m 1997-98 $1.6m $3.5m $3.9m $8.1m 1998-99 $1.1m $3.3m $3.9m $8.0m % of Medical Cost (%) 1996-97 5.1% 12.0% 6.9% 6.0% 1997-98 5.1% 10.8% 7.8% 6.1% 1998-99 4.7% 9.8% 7.9% 8.3% % of Total Claims Cost (%) 1996-97 1.1% 2.1% 1.0% 0 8% 1997-98 1.1% 2.0% 1.3% 0.8% 1998-99 0.8% 1.9% 1.3% 0.7% Average Cost/Claim ($) 1996-97 $336 $156 $330 $387 1997-98 $364 $158 $360 $389 1998-99 $353 $153 $366 $387 No of Claims Receiving Service 1996-97 5,066 21,209 10,451 19,535 1997-98 4,305 12,293 10,806 20,766 1998-99 3,114 16,880 10,694 20,551 a = does not include medico-legal costs 18