[empressplay]

Yes, in Australia what and how much of it a doctor can prescribe is tightly regulated. Many medications require a specialist referral and approval. Any medical procedure requires a specialist to sign off on it.

That and there is often a 'gap' that needs to be covered for GP and specialist services, although that tends to be balanced out by much cheaper prescription costs. (Prescriptions in Canada for example easily cost 2X as much).

However, Australia has a two-tier system where you can buy private insurance cover that can cover the costs of gaps and allow you access to private hospitals. This insurance is much cheaper than the equivalent US versions.