ACCC backs after-hours doctors fee hikes

Patients using Canberra's after-hours medical service could soon be paying more, with the competition watchdog giving its in-principle support to proposed fee changes.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released its draft decision, giving the go-ahead to the changes.

Doctors working for the Canberra After Hours Locum Medical Service are pushing for a revised fee structure in response to Federal Government changes to Medicare.

ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel says fees charged by doctors to patients seeking after-hours care will not exceed a certain level.

But in some cases, out-of-pocket expenses for patients could rise for certain services such as a home visit between the hours of 8pm and 11pm.

A final decision is expected in the next few weeks.