AMA calls for GP White Paper
The AMA today called on the Federal Government to produce a General Practice White Paper - in partnership with the AMA - to examine in detail the mounting pressures on GPs and the squeeze on medical services for the patients and communities they serve.
AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said a White Paper is needed to draw together the many threats to the delivery of quality affordable and accessible GP services for all Australians now and into the future - and offer some tangible solutions.
"We are seeing clear evidence of GP shortages all around the country," Dr Phelps said.
"Bulk billing rates continue to decline rapidly, medical indemnity premiums have reached ridiculous levels for GPs, red tape is stealing doctors' time with patients, and the critical issue of recruitment and retention of GPs in country areas and other areas of health need is being neglected.
"As a result of Government inaction, patients are being forced to pay more for their primary medical care and doctors are being forced out of medicine. This is a recipe for disaster as communities around Australia lose their family doctor and the easy access to medical help they deserve," Dr Phelps said.
Dr Phelps said a White Paper must at the very least address the following:
- GP workforce - Australia needs more GPs, especially in rural and outer suburban areas. The Government must look specifically at a realistic schedule of fees and a review of medical education and GP training numbers.
- Fee-for-service - The AMA does not support the increased use of incentive payments for GPs as a way to increase patient rebates. Fee-for-service is the most effective payment system for patient consultations.
- Eliminate Blended Payments - Blended payment schemes not clearly achieving significant gains should be phased out. They are expensive and require excessive administration. The Practice Incentive Program (PIP) has become a complex, multi-layered, disease-focused scheme.
"The AMA would welcome the opportunity to work with the Government on a White Paper to ensure all Australians continue to enjoy quality health services and the security of a local GP," Dr Phelps said.
The AMA's call for a GP White Paper coincides with a visit to Canberra by 15 grassroots GP who have come to tell Federal politicians first-hand the problems in their communities.
CONTACT: Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306