Inequalities in the Regional Distribution of Private Psychiatric Services Provided under Medicare

Abstract

An analysis was carried out on Medicare data to find out if there are inequalities in the geographical distribution of private psychiatric services in Australia. The number of psychiatric services and persons becoming patients per 100,000 population was calculated for each federal electorate for the year 1985/86 and related to social indicators derived from the 1986 census. As a comparison, services provided by consultant physicians were analyzed as well. The data were based on the electorate of the patient rather than the electorate of the practitioner. Consultant psychiatrist services were found to be received more often in high socio-economic status electorates and those with older popula..