There are constant headlines about how people are losing confidence in private health insurance.

One reason is rising premiums but another is the gaps between what doctors charge you and what you get back from Medicare and your health fund.

We asked you to send in your medical bills if you were upset about your out of pocket expenses and hundreds of you did. 

It was extraordinary and shocking. A urologist charging $27,000 for a prostatectomy. A potentially illegal under the counter fee of $6000. So it went on.

That's formed the basis of a Four Corners investigation into out-of-pocket costs, airing tonight at 8.30PM on ABC TV.

Professor Stephen Duckett is one of the commentators on the program.

He says the private system is under strain, and there's no easy fix on the horizon.

Guest:

Professor Stephen Duckett

Director, Health Program, Grattan Institute

Host:

Dr Norman Swan

Producer:

James Bullen