AMA plan to meet the challenge of chronic disease
AMA Chronic Disease Plan: Improving Care for Patients with Chronic and Complex Care Needs
AMA Family Doctor Week 16-22 July 2012
The AMA today released its AMA Chronic Disease Plan: Improving Care for Patients with Chronic and Complex Care Needs, a considered response to meeting the growing challenge of chronic disease in an ageing population.
AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said the plan sets out ways to improve the treatment of people with complex and chronic disease in primary care.
“Our plan will ultimately provide savings for the overall health budget,” Dr Hambleton said.
“Chronic disease now accounts for about 70 per cent of the allocated health expenditure on disease and it is estimated to increase significantly in the immediate future.
“Current Medicare funded chronic disease management arrangements are too limited, are difficult for patients to access, and involve considerable red tape and bureaucracy.
“The AMA plan offers patients with multiple chronic conditions and related complex care needs improved access to GP-coordinated quality primary care.
“The plan enhances existing arrangements and supports patients to spend more time with their GP when they need to.
“It provides patients with streamlined access to a broad range of allied health and other support services and it supports a more proactive approach to the delivery of care.
“Australia’s high-quality primary health care system is built on the leading role of GPs.
“GPs must be given greater support and scope to provide access to multidisciplinary care and support services for patients with chronic and complex disease.”
The AMA Chronic Disease Plan: Improving Care for Patients with Chronic and Complex Care Needs is at http://ama.com.au/node/5519
20 July 2012
CONTACT: Kirsty Waterford 02 6270 5464 / 0427 209 753
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