Private patients less likely to be on blood pressure meds

Private patients are losing out when it comes to being treated for high blood pressure — they are significantly less likely to be on medication to control it than those with medical cards, research has found.

Interestingly, the study also found better hypertension control in rural areas, contrary to international evidence showing poorer control in the countryside. The researchers said this finding could be influenced by cheaper costs of visiting GPs in rural areas and rural practices reporting fewer private patients. They said the finding requires further investigation.

The study found the cost of blood pressure treatment was a barrier to seeking it — costs include a GP visit fee for a blood-pressure reading and the cost of long-term subsequent monitoring and medication in the event of a negative finding, for those without a medical card.