The AMA celebrates Family Doctor Week this week (18-24 July 2011). It is a week to highlight the important role that family doctors (also known as general practitioners or GPs) play in providing health care to the Australian community.
Mental Health MBS Changes – GP Survey
The AMA commissioned an independent survey of GPs by Essential Research about the changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) announced in the 2011/12 Federal Budget, that will reduce the level of Medicare rebates payable to patients who need GP mental health services. For a summary of the findings and a copy of the full report, "MBS Changes – GP Survey: An assessment of the impact of 2011/12 budget cuts to Medicare funding for GP Mental Health Services", please click here.
Dr Hambleton, 6PR Perth, 30 April 2012
1 May 2012 - 4:00pmDr Caroline Luke, AMA Family Doctor Week 2011
Who is your family doctor?
Family doctors are specialists in their own right. A family doctor is trained to treat the whole person, not just some parts of the body or specific diseases. Family doctors are trained to care for people of all ages, all walks of life, and with all types of medical issues and concerns. Family doctors care about preventive health and are the best placed to advise about how to stay healthy and well.
Family doctors have 10–15 years of formal education and training before they can practise as a family doctor. This means they are uniquely placed to provide the very best of health care - excellent health care. This training and education is ongoing so family doctors are always up-to-date with what is happening in medicine and how they can best provide excellent health care.
Having a trusted family doctor is good for your health. Research shows that people who have an ongoing relationship with a family doctor have better health outcomes and lower death rates. For anyone who hasn't seen their family doctor in a while, it might just be the time to make an appointment for a check-up!
The Australian Medical Association congratulates and applauds all the family doctors in Australia for your great work providing excellent health care to patients and communities.
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Family Doctor Week 2011
AMA National Conference 2012
Poll
AMA Annual Report 2011
Federal Budget Submission 2012-13
Traffic Light Food Labelling - The Evidence
