Summary
Date: 6-September-2019
The RACGP has provided a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) inquiry into NDIS planning.
In order to enhance the role of GPs in the NDIS planning process, and therefore improve the quality and effectiveness of NDIS plans, the RACGP has made the following recommendations:
- GPs should have the opportunity to view and discuss a draft of a patient’s NDIS plan with the patient, and provide feedback and advice to NDIS planners for consideration when finalising the plan.
- There should be an option for GPs to automatically receive a copy of a patient’s NDIS plan (with patient consent) to allow them to keep a complete record of their patients’ health and social journey and therefore support continuity of care. This would also provide the opportunity for informed interaction between GPs and the NDIS regarding the supports needed for ongoing care of the patient.
- To improve the flow of information between the NDIS and general practices, notifications should be sent to a patient’s usual GP to update them on the patient’s NDIS status and provide information relevant for the provision of ongoing, holistic care by the GP. For example, GPs should be alerted to any reviews of their patient’s plan and changes to supports they receive through the NDIS.
- GPs should be able to make direct contact with NDIS planners (with patient consent) to advise of issues being experienced by a patient or the need to amend their plan.