Medicare Plus - A step in the right direction for better aged care
AMA Vice President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, said today the Government's Medicare Plus package offers hope of improved GP access for people living in aged care facilities.
Dr Haikerwal said that while the detail in the package is limited, the AMA is optimistic about a number of measures that will make it easier for GPs to provide services to elderly patients in nursing homes and aged care facilities.
"It's pleasing to see the Government has recognised some of the issues that make providing GP services in aged care services difficult," Dr Haikerwal said.
"The package includes a new Medicare item for comprehensive medical assessments for new and existing residents. This will provide important information for their ongoing health care.
"We look forward to more details of programs to help GPs who provide services to aged care residents.
"The current arrangements in nursing homes make it difficult for doctors to provide services.
"Few nursing homes have a GP consulting room and even fewer can provide computer access for prescribing and patient record management.
"The Medicare Plus package does not address these needs despite its general commitment to increased cooperation between GPs and nursing homes to provide better services.
"While the AMA welcomes the initiatives outlined in the package they must be appropriately resourced. The AMA is concerned about the level of funding allocated to achieve the initiatives.
"The AMA will be looking more closely at the details of these announcements and will be negotiating with the Government and the Opposition parties for comprehensive aged care policies leading into the next election," Dr Haikerwal said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306