At Earworx, we are dedicated to providing safe and gentle microsuction services to over 1,000 patients per week under a nurse-led model across Australia. However, despite being appropriately trained and working within our scope of practice, Registered Nurses like those at Earworx face discrimination within Australia’s healthcare system when it comes to working independently. This discrepancy not only affects us but also impacts the patients, Veterans, and healthcare waiting lists nationwide.
Brief Regulatory Background
While the regulatory system allows Registered Nurses to practise independently, the current policies of Medicare, Private Healthcare Funds, and the Department of Veterans Affairs create barriers for us to provide services.
This policy mismatch hinders the provision of timely and efficient healthcare services to patients in need.
Earworx can see patients within 1-3 days of booking, significantly reducing waiting times compared to GP (General Practitioner) and ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) specialist waiting lists that can stretch for weeks or even months.
Key Issues
Four key issues need to be understood and addressed by our representatives and the regulatory funding bodies.
1. Payroll Tax
Earworx as a Registered Nurse-led business, pays monthly payroll tax across all state and territory governments. Despite our contribution to reducing the healthcare burden and waiting lists, we do not receive the same payroll tax relief that is afforded to General Practice businesses in many states. This financial burden ultimately affects the patients who seek our services.
2. Medicare
Registered Nurses are not allowed access to the Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) under Medicare, which means there is no rebate applicable to Earworx for services that are performed independently of a GP or ENT surgeon. This limitation prevents us from accepting referrals from GPs and ENTs to provide services under Team Care Arrangements, hindering our ability to improve patient outcomes. Most GPs provide water syringing for wax removal, resulting in a 1 in 1000 major *complication rate.
Earworx is proud to have performed over 400,000 procedures without a major complication, using the safe and gentle microsuction technique performed by highly trained Registered Nurses.
It is unwise for the Medicare system to fund a procedure that is not best practice for patients, and not a safe procedure performed by a highly trained Registered Nurse.
3. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and Private Health Funds
DVA’s refusal to fund Earworx services for Veterans and the reluctance of many Private Health Funds to provide rebates to patients further highlight the barriers faced by Registered Nurses in delivering essential healthcare services.
4. Private Health Funds
Many Private Health Funds refuse to provide rebates for our service to patients (or even assess our application) because our practitioners (Registered Nurses) do not have a Medicare Provider Number.
How Can You Help? Rally Your Local Member For Healthcare Equity
Healthcare equity is essential for ensuring that all Australians have access to quality healthcare services. By addressing the policy issues faced by Registered Nurses, we can create a more inclusive and efficient healthcare system that benefits both healthcare providers and patients alike. It’s time to rally for change and support healthcare equity for all.
Proposed Actions You Can Take
An email to your Local Senator or Member would show profound support for our cause. You will be able to communicate your thoughts best, however, we have provided an example of what could be sent for assistance.
Email Example
Subject: Registered Nurse Regulatory Reform – Australian Healthcare Access and Equity
Dear [Local Member’s Name],
I am writing to you to highlight the current discrimination that Registered Nurses face regarding Australia’s healthcare system. It is crucial that all patients have access to quality healthcare services, and RNs play a vital role in providing safe and effective care.
I urge you to consider the importance of Registered Nurse Regulatory Reform in our healthcare system and support policies that enable RNs to practise independently and provide services that benefit the community.
- Allocate Medicare Provider Numbers to Registered Nurses working within their scope of practice to allow for applicable Medicare rebates
- Advocate for payroll tax relief for Earworx in all states and territories to alleviate the financial burden
- Direct DVA to fund Earworx services when wax removal is clinically indicated and referred by Veterans’ GPs
In my recent experience with Earworx, I found it to be incredibly efficient and effective. The care I received was personalised, compassionate, and of the highest standard. I choose Earworx because of their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to patient care.
RNs, like those at Earworx, undergo rigorous training and work within their scope of practice to deliver high-quality services. Their dedication to patient wellbeing and their ability to provide timely and effective care is why I trust and prefer my RN provider.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to your support in championing healthcare access and empowering Registered Nurses to continue delivering excellent care to our community.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Electorate, City, Post Code]
Your Voice Matters
Our Earworx patients are the heartbeat of our mission, and together, we have the power to reshape healthcare in Australia. Your experiences, your stories, and your voices are the catalysts for change. Let’s unite and take action:
- Reach Out: Use the email template above to contact your local member. Share your personal Earworx experience to make your message impactful.
- Spread the Word: Share this post with friends and family. Every conversation sparks awareness and builds our movement.
- Follow Through: After contacting your representative, follow up to ensure your voice resonates and creates lasting impact.
Together, we’re not just patients and providers – we’re advocates for a better healthcare future. Your support ripples through the lives of countless Australians, from patients to healthcare professionals.
Join us in this crucial mission. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to monumental change. Let’s act today to secure a healthcare system that truly serves all Australians.
References:
* Bird, S. (2003). The potential pitfalls of ear syringing: minimising the risks. Australian Family Physician, 32(3), 150–151.
