New national data reveals huge differences in the types of surgical procedures performed, based on where patients live.

Report's key messages: Rates of hysterectomies vary significantly

Rates of hysterectomies vary significantly Rates of hospitalisation from chronic disease higher in remote WA

Rates of hospitalisation from chronic disease higher in remote WA Findings should "stimulate discussion about appropriate care"

A review conducted by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare (ACSQHC) into medical procedures by local area found women living in Maryborough, in Victoria, had almost seven times the rate of hysterectomies as women living in Gungahlin in the ACT.

ACSQHC medical advisor Professor Anne Duggan hoped the data would stimulate clinicians and patients to start talking about what appropriate care looks like.

"When we see almost seven-fold variations in hysterectomy rates, we really need to ask, 'Are women aware of the treatment options that are now available?'" she said.

One of the biggest disparities was in the rates of endometrial ablation, a procedure given to patients for abnormal uterine bleeding.

Women in Tasmania's Burnie had the treatment at 20 times the rate of similar patients in Fairfield, New South Wales.

There were also significant differences in the number of hospitalisations for chronic lung disease, heart failure, diabetes cellulitis and kidney and urinary infections.

The Kimberley in Western Australia and the outback of North Queensland had the highest rates of potentially preventable conditions.

The lowest rates of preventable hospitalisation were in Dural in NSW, Indooroopilly in Qld, and Barwon-West in Victoria.

Why are there major disparities?

There are a number of reasons for variation in surgeries and treatment.

For example, in cases of hysterectomies, doctors and patients may not be aware of less-invasive options, the report authors said.

The report said differing rates of hospitalisation from chronic disease "tell a story of inequity".

"Three often-overlapping groups had higher rates of hospitalisation from chronic diseases — people living in remote areas, people living in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians."

The key to reducing the rates is to have better-integrated primary care with a stronger role in coordinating care, the report said.