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AMA welcomes rural veterans health initiative

The AMA today welcomed moves by the Federal Government to increase payments for general practitioners who treat entitled members of the veteran community in rural areas.

The new arrangements are part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Repatriation Commission and the AMA and are designed to ensure veterans in rural areas have access to the best quality health care available.

Federal Vice-President of the AMA, Dr Trevor Mudge, said that the initiative would benefit both the patients and the Local Medical Officers (LMOs) who treat members of the veteran community through the Repatriation Comprehensive Care Scheme.

"Our Memorandum of Understanding recognises the central role that LMOs play in coordinating health care that meets the individual needs of veterans or war widows," Dr Mudge said.

"These new arrangements will ensure that rural LMOs will be properly remunerated for this important role."

Dr Mudge commended the Minister and his Department for recognising there is a cost involved in providing quality care, particularly in rural areas where medical resources are stretched to the limit.

"This recognition will greatly assist the ongoing negotiations between the Government and the AMA about implementing the findings of the Relative Value Study, particularly in regard to addressing the inadequacy of the current Medicare Benefits Schedule of fees," Dr Mudge said.

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CONTACT: Dr Trevor Mudge 0413 733 701

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