Better chronic and complex disease
YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR – YOUR MEDICAL HOME
AMA Family Doctor Week 15-21 July 2013
The AMA is urging the Federal Government to improve care for patients with chronic and complex conditions by giving them more time with their GPs and improving coordination of health and support services.
AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said the AMA’s Chronic Disease Plan: Improving Care for Patients with Chronic and Complex Care Needs sets out ways to improve the treatment of people with complex and chronic disease in primary care.
“The AMA plan offers patients with multiple chronic conditions and related complex care needs, improved access to GP-coordinated quality primary care,” Dr Hambleton said
“The plan enhances existing arrangements, and supports patients to spend more time with their family doctor 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.
“Chronic disease is estimated to be responsible for around 80 per cent of the total burden of disease and accounts for 70 per cent of health expenditure
“Chronic disease must be well managed and coordinated to reduce its effect on patients’ health and wellbeing.
“Family doctors are highly trained general health specialists, and are in the best position to ensure patients with chronic and complex diseases get the care they need.”
The AMA Chronic Disease Plan: Improving Care for Patients with Chronic and Complex Care Needs is at http://ama.com.au/node/5519
AMA Family Doctor Week is sponsored by Australian General Practice Training.
20 July 2013
CONTACT: John Flannery 02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761
Kirsty Waterford 02 6270 5464 / 0427 209 753
