CATEGORY 32 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST INNOVATIONS In this interview, we speak with Rob Harwood from Super for Health, an organisation advocating for a compliant and ethical approach to superannuation access in healthcare. He discusses the key challenges facing practitioners, the importance of strict adherence to ATO and AHPRA guidelines, and how healthcare professionals can protect both their patients and their own reputations when considering superannuation as a funding option for treatment. Interviewer: What are the points of difference that sets Super for Health apart from other providers and how does this protect practitioners and patients alike? Rob Harwood: Super for Health was founded by Australian healthcare professionals who saw the need for a responsible, compliant approach to superannuation access. Here’s how we differentiate ourselves. Firstly, compliance – we have a strict adherence to ATO Guidelines. We ensure that superannuation is accessed only for patients with documented the condition (acute or chronic pain) Medical / Dental condition, that allows for the application to be lodged to ATO. We set stringent guidelines, clearly articulated to Super for Health by the ATO, that other providers are fast tracking their obligations in the need for faster fund transfer. Within Super for Health’s patient service agreement, we ensure your patient agrees they must use the funds for the treatment prescribed and paid to the treating practitioner. We take data privacy and protection compliance seriously, ensuring that our practices align with the Australian Privacy Principles (APP) set out by the OAIC and are fully HIPAA compliant to safeguard the confidentiality and security of personal health information. These compliance processes are recognised by the ATO for upholding strict standards and addressing a key concern among practitioners – ensuring that patients use their funds solely for the prescribed treatment, reinforcing trust and accountability in the process. Secondly, ethics – as a health practitioner, it’s about doing the right thing, so that vulnerable patients in genuine need can fairly access their funds. Unlike some third party super access companies, we do not employ in-house GPs to approve applications, which would create a dangerous conflict of interest. Instead, patients’ applications are reviewed and signed off by their regular GP to maintain impartiality and accuracy. Supporting the efficiency of release of funds coming back to the practice, we provide a significant amount of aftercare, for the patients specific Superfund, to ensure a streamlined, release to ensure the practitioner receives the funds in the shortest amount of time. Thirdly, protecting practitioners and patient focus. We take pride in the industry experience of our case managers. Our entire team comes from a healthcare background, ensuring a deep understanding of AHPRA’s guidelines and regulatory requirements. Our practice portal provides live updates, keeping the practice informed at every stage of the application. Ethical practices and accountability are paramount. Every application undergoes rigorous internal review to ensure compliance. We also ensure patients are fully informed by referring them to their independent accountant or tax agent rather than providers with a vested interest. We refer the patient to their regular GP and they must use the funds for the treatment by the referring practitioner. Interviewer: Some clinicians may have reservations about the ethical implications of using superannuation for healthcare treatments. How do you respond to that? Rob Harwood: We completely respect that stance. However, we also recognise that for many patients, early access to superannuation is a vital lifeline. The reality is that financial constraints are preventing people from receiving necessary dental and medical care, including pain management and preventative treatments. Our goal is to Cleaning up the industry Protecting practitioners wanting to use superannuation access Recent investigations by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) have brought renewed scrutiny to the early access superannuation scheme, particularly within the dental industry. Concerns have been raised over compliance breaches, ethical considerations, and the role of third-party providers in facilitating superannuation withdrawals for medical treatments. With increased regulatory focus, practitioners are seeking clarity on how to navigate this process responsibly while ensuring patient needs are met within legal and ethical boundaries. Rob Harwood – CEO Super for Health
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