The non-medical out-of-pocket costs to attend a free anxiety disorders treatment clinic in Australia. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anderson, Reece; Wong, Nora; Newby, Jill M; Andrews, Gavin
• Is Part Of: Australasian psychiatry. Volume 24:Number 3(2016:Jun.)
• Page Start: 261
• Page End: 263
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: Out-of-pocket costs -- cost to attend -- non-medical costs; Psychiatry -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1177/1039856215613004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1039-8562

Abstract

Objective: Australia has high out-of-pocket costs for medical and non-medical treatments. The 'cost to attend' is seldom added to these estimates. Method: A sequence of 92 participants attending a free Anxiety Disorders Clinic at an inner city public hospital were surveyed about the costs to attend one appointment, including costs such as private /public transport costs and lost income. Results: We found that these out-of-pocket costs were on average AUD$57 per person to attend an appointment at a free point-of-service clinic. Of the 45% who experienced financial burden from attending, the majority reported only slight burden. Conclusion: This level of 'cost to attend' a free outpatient treatment clinic is non-trivial given people with anxiety and depressive disorders, like many others with chronic disorders, will need at least 6–10 visits to complete a course of treatment.