Launch of Whitecoat website postponed

Health fund nib has told ADA Inc. that it has postponed the launch of the Whitecoat website. This is in response to sustained pressure from a coalition of professional bodies including ADA. The health fund has told the coalition that this is “to fully address the issues that have been raised” by the professional bodies and that nib “no longer intend(s) to send notification to practitioners of the launch next week”.

ADA is pleased that nib has postponed the launch and that it is seriously considering the ramifications that could be caused if the website proceeded. The association has constantly expressed its deep concern about the position dentists may be placed in if taking part in the Whitecoat website and also as to what real value the site would serve. ADA has long recognised the intent of nib to attempt to achieve some form of market advantage.

ADA has worked extensively on behalf of members with nib, the Dental Board of Australia and Medicare on this issue. The association first raised concerns over privacy and the use of Medicare data when advised of this by nib last March and subsequently advised Medicare of the ADA’s concerns.

The ADA will continue to work with the coalition of professional bodies, nib, the Dental Board of Australia and Medicare to ensure that dentists and the public receive the fairest outcome from the planned Whitecoat website.