The Federal Government has launched a new health premium measure, which will force doctors to inform their patients of the medical costs they will have to pay.
Hospital patients will be informed of the difference between a health insurer's refund, and the doctors charges, prior to a consultation or operation.
President of the Australian Medical Association Dr Mukesh Haikerwal says it's a good way of stopping people being left with unaffordable medical expenses.
Dr Haikerwal says: "Doctors are very comfortable with the notion of telling patients what their services cost. It's very important that patients do know not just what service they're having performed, but also the cost that service will be to them. Insurers have a significant role to play here, and also need to be part of the action."