Media release

AMA Media Release - New arrangements will improve After Hours GP services

NEW ARRANGEMENTS WILL IMPROVE AFTER HOURS GP SERVICES

 

The AMA welcomes the changes to funding for After Hours GP services announced today by Health Minister, Sussan Ley.

 

AMA President, A/Prof Brian Owler, said the Minister consulted closely with the profession and decided to return funding to the Practice Incentive Program (PIP) for After Hours GP services, as flagged in last week’s Budget.

 

“We are pleased that the Minister has moved swiftly to implement the Budget announcement, with the new arrangements starting on 1 July,” A/Prof Owler said.

 

“The AMA has been calling for the return of the PIP funding for some time.

 

“The new PIP payment structure will encourage and support general practices to provide After Hours coverage for their patients, which will in turn ensure continuity of care.

 

“The Government has listened and responded to AMA concerns about giving responsibility for After Hours funding to Medicare Locals, which has proven to largely be a failure and simply increased red tape for practices.

 

“While the new Primary Health Networks (PHNs) will still have a role to play in ensuring community access to After Hours health services, their focus will be on gaps in service delivery.

 

“Individual practices will now have greater control over After Hours services for their patients.

 

“The Government and the Minister are to be commended for this decision. Patients will benefit,” A/Prof Owler said.

 

 

22 May 2015

 

CONTACT:        John Flannery                     02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761

                        Odette Visser                      02 6270 5412 / 0427 209 753

 

Follow the AMA Media on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ama_media
Follow the AMA President on Twitter: 
http://twitter.com/amapresident
Follow Australian Medicine on Twitter: 
 https://twitter.com/amaausmed
Like the AMA on Facebook 
https://www.facebook.com/AustralianMedicalAssociation

Media Contacts

Federal 

 02 6270 5478
 0427 209 753
 media@ama.com.au

Follow the AMA

 @ama_media
 @amapresident
‌ @AustralianMedicalAssociation

Related topics