81. Mr. F. HALLasked the Secretary to the Treasury how many insured persons have employed doctors not on the panel in order to ensure prompt and efficient attention; and whether the cost of medical attention so obtained or any proportionate part thereof is refunded?
§ Mr. MASTERMANAs insured persons can obtain prompt and efficient attention from doctors on the panel, there is no need for them to employ other doctors on this account, nor have I any evidence that this course is being taken. In any case of complaint of neglect the insured person should communicate with the insurance committee, whose duty it is to investigate the matter.
Mr. F. HALLIf an insured person is on a given doctor's panel and is unable to obtain the services of that doctor, will he, in the event of being compelled to employ another medical attendant, have a part of the expense thereby incurred allowed to him?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am not sure whether the committee have any power to allow expenses not already authorised.
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have no evidence that insured persons cannot obtain prompt and efficient attention from his doctor on the panel.