AMA submission to the Department of Health – Streamlined Consumer Assessment for Aged Care

The AMA supports in principle a new framework for a streamlined consumer assessment for aged care. The framework must be integrated with both the health and aged care systems at the various levels of jurisdiction. For the assessment framework to be successful, the government must ensure health and aged care services are in adequate supply to meet demand.  

The new assessment process needs a health focus with an appropriate clinically-based workforce. It is important that the older person’s usual GP can provide input into the assessment. Referrals via the GP’s clinical software systems should have feedback loop functionality so they can ensure their patient is receiving the services in a timeframe that is appropriate to their needs.