Summary
Date: 6 April 2021
The RACGP has provided a submission to the Department of Health’s Electrocardiogram (ECG) Review Committee. The Committee was established by the Minster for Health following widespread sector concern with changes made to Medicare items for ECGs performed in general practice in August 2020.
The RACGP’s submission:
- highlighted the role of GPs in performing ECGs
- noted the changes represent a reduction in support for community-based care, which is intended to reduce pressure on secondary health services
- outlined the impact of the changes on patient access
- recommended that GPs be allowed to claim item 11714 (ECG trace and clinical note) in line with other specialists and consultant physicians, which would provide some additional support for GPs performing and interpreting ECGs.