AMACGP progresses policy to improve conditions for GPs and their patients
At its May quarterly meeting in Canberra, the AMA Council of General Practice (AMACGP) defined key policy areas the AMA will take to Government as matters of priority to improve working conditions for GPs and the quality of care provided to patients.
The meeting, attended by AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, and AMACGP Chair, Dr David Rivett, called for an urgent meeting with Health Minister, Senator Kay Patterson, to discuss the increasing pressures on the work of Australia's GPs.
Key issues to be discussed with Senator Patterson include:
GP workforce shortages
In response to the findings of the AMA/Access Economics GP Workforce survey, the AMACGP wants the Government to conduct a complete review of demand for general practice health care services in regional and outer-suburban areas particularly.
The review would identify the areas of GP shortages, describe the health consequences for patients in deficit areas, outline policies to improve patient access to GP services, and develop incentives to attract doctors to practise in, and stay practising in, areas where there are GP shortages.
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
There is speculation that there may be significant cuts to the PBS in the May 14 Federal Budget. This speculation extends to moves to impose further bureaucratic restrictions to doctor prescribing.
It is the AMA's view that cuts to the PBS without proper consultation with the medical profession will lead to poor health outcomes for the sickest and the poorest in the community.
Enhanced Divisional Quality Use of Medicines (EDQUM)
The AMACGP is concerned that the Government, in conjunction with the Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) may roll out the EDQUM program post-Budget.
GP groups rejected this concept as inappropriate in 1999 because it did not have any measures of patient benefit. The only bottom line, then as now, is Budget savings.
The program relies on a system of incentives for GPs with any savings being shared between the Government and GP Divisions. There is no direct benefit to individual doctors or their patients.
Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS)
The AMACGP renewed its calls for Government action on MBS patient rebates.
The Government's failure to maintain MBS patient rebates at an appropriate level for General Practice is contributing to the shortage of GP services, particularly in outer suburban and rural areas, and is fast-tracking the continuing decline in bulk-billing in Australia.
The Government's own study, the Relative Value Study (RVS), said patient rebates were under-funded by $900 million a year.
Aged Care
The AMACGP wishes to trial a scheme to improve the quality of care in Residential Aged Care facilities.
In the proposed trial, GPs would augment the staffing at Residential Aged Care Facilities by working as Medical Advisers.
The effective integration of medical, nursing, allied health and other care is essential for quality health care for older people. Currently, medical care is not effectively integrated with other services in aged care facilities.
Under the AMACGP proposal, GP Medical Advisers would spend half a day per visit to each facility to provide a fully integrated range of services.
These GPs would provide a link to residents' regular GP and other healthcare professional such as pharmacists and geriatricians.
The AMA will seek Government funding for the trial.
The AMACGP is the peak organisation representing the interests of Australia's GPs and their patients. The AMACGP is the largest Australian GP group that is totally independent of Government funding and influence.
CONTACT: Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076