In Practice newsletter
20 November 2015
Private health insurers could create two-tiered primary healthcare system
Universal access to quality health is, quite correctly, the acceptable norm in Australia.
However, though we have overall exceptional health outcomes, we cannot afford to be complacent. Changes in health demography demand more reflection and a pragmatic solution.
Investment in general practice and primary care will produce improved quality and efficiency – and well-coordinated, contextual continuity of care within the GP-led Medical Home fits the bill.
And it’s this The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) calls for in its Vision for general practice and a sustainable healthcare system
Health Minister Sussan Ley has recently asked all Australians to have their say on private health insurance via the Private Health Insurance Consultations 2015-16 and the RACGP Expert Committee (REC) General Practice Advocacy and Funding member Dr Michael Wright represented members at a roundtable on Monday 16 November to discuss the RACGP’s position.
What should be the role of the private health insurance industry in primary care? I realise there may be a divergence of views amongst members.
The risk of developing a two-tiered health system is real and the possible consequences of such a scheme are multiple.
GPs’ autonomy in the provision of clinical care must not be swayed by any sort of restrictive practice, such as narrowed referral pathways or preferential use of resources.
The RACGP does acknowledge there could be some potential areas in which private health insurers may play a role in improving patient health outcomes – specifically in chronic disease management, hospital avoidance and preventative healthcare – and published a position statement in December 2014 outlining this potential involvement.
The position statement includes the RACGP’s principles for the involvement of private health insurers in general practice and it is worth re-stating them:
1. Support equity of access to GP services
2. No interference with a patient’s usual GP
3. Recognise and support the clinical independence of GPs
4. Provide a safety net for people without private health insurance coverage
5. Support quality general practice, encompassing the medical home
6. Acknowledge that GPs are experts at leading and coordinating multidisciplinary teams
The RACGP is currently drafting its response to the consultation and I encourage members to email their input to advocacy@racgp.org.au by November 24 or complete the Government’s online survey.
Dr Frank R Jones
RACGP President
Overseas unrest prompts reminder of support and reflection
With serious unrest occurring in large parts of the world, it is important to reflect on the recent tragic events in Europe and the Middle East and acknowledge the stress and anxiety they might cause our friends, family, colleagues, patients and wider community.
It is a difficult time for all. Many RACGP members and our friends in in the wider medical profession will have strong ties to those caught up in the conflicts.
Heartfelt thoughts go out to those affected and a gentle reminder that, in times of need, don’t be afraid to call on the resources of your networks, including that of the RACGP, for support and guidance.
RACGP makes submission on Medicare Safety Net proposal
The RACGP appeared before the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee at a public hearing on 16 November expressing concern at the proposed changes to the Health Insurance Amendment (Safety Net) Bill 2015, which, if implemented, will come into effect on 1 January 2016.
Tasmania Faculty Chair Dr Bastian Seidel presented at the hearing, stating the RACGP did not support the main changes introduced by the proposed Bill, which would leave all patients with greater out-of-pocket costs.
Dr Seidel said while the changes would lower the qualifying thresholds for patients, a lesser amount of their out-of-pocket expenses would count towards it, making the threshold harder for them to reach. For patients that do reach the threshold, a lesser amount of their out-of-pocket costs would be covered, further reducing patient support.
Read the RACGP’s submission and media release for more information.
RACGP feedback poll results – Community pharmacists in primary healthcare
Over the past 3 weeks the RACGP has conducted an In Practice survey, seeking members’ views on the role of pharmacists in primary healthcare.
The majority of respondents (75 %) were strongly against expanding the role of pharmacists in primary healthcare. However, 15% of respondents felt there may be potential to expand the role of pharmacists if they were part of a GP-led team. 10% of respondents supported models of care that utilised pharmacists for triage, treatment of minor ailments and support of patients with chronic conditions.
Additional written feedback reinforced that members are largely opposed to the expanding role of pharmacists in primary healthcare. In particular, respondents are concerned that care delivered outside the general practice setting will fragment overall care, resulting in lack of coordination and inefficiencies in the health system. Respondents also advised that pharmacists have an inherent conflict of interest, insufficient training in healthcare delivery and that pharmacies lack adequate infrastructure to deliver quality primary healthcare services.
The RACGP thanks all poll respondents for helping to better inform the direction of its advocacy work. The results and feedback will be used to ensure the RACGP is best placed to represent the views of the profession.