AMA submission calls for reform to after-hours arrangements
The final report of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Review of Urgent After-Hours Primary Care Services has been released. AMA President, Dr Michael Gannon, said the Taskforce’s report has properly identified a range of concerns about current after-hours services, and has added to the case for reform in this area.
The AMAs submission to the MBS review included a call for a broader package of reforms to Medical Deputising Services (MDS) arrangements to ensure high quality and appropriately targeted services are provided. The AMA is working with Minister’s offices to develop a suitable funding model, along with measures that better regulate the MDS sector and support quality service provision. The AMA has also made it clear that any budget savings must be re-invested into general practice.
It’s important that doctors in training who work in these services are appropriately trained and supported, understand their billing responsibilities and appropriate billing of MBS items. The AMA WA has produced an excellent information sheet to inform doctors in training about their billing responsibilities if they work for an after-hours home visiting service.
Read the AMA WAs Do you work for an after-hours visiting doctor service?
