The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) confirms there will be no changes to the Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) items for general practice nurses contributing to health assessments, following confusion over a statement released last week.
The RACGP yesterday sought clarification from the Department of Health (DoH), confirming the contribution a general practice nurse makes in assisting a GP with performing health assessments can be taken into account when billing MBS items 701–715.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) last night released an updated statement on its Medicare website stating: “GPs are expected to continue to use their judgment in deciding which Medicare item to claim for health assessments, taking into account the time spent with the patient, the level of complexity and any assistance provided by a general practice nurse.”
RACGP President, Dr Liz Marles said the RACGP is pleased the DoH and DHS have clarified its advise to reflect the original intent of the descriptor of the MBS item numbers.
“What caused confusion was that the recent statement contradicted previous discussions between the RACGP and DoH during the initial development of these item numbers.
“Many GPs and their nursing staff feared the impact of reduced funding of nurses as part of the medical team.
“The ramifications of the statement, if true, would have been negative for general practice nurses and the general practice profession,” said Dr Marles.
The Government invests around $190 million per year in Medicare rebates that support preventive healthcare in general practice through the health assessment items.
“Without appropriate funding for team based care, the Government runs the risk of longer term consequences such as increased hospital costs for patients unable to undertake preventive health assessments as a result of GP’s time restraints.
“General practice nurses play a vital role within general practice, particularly in the delivery of preventive health assessments for a vulnerable group of patients.
“The RACGP is relieved the DoH and DHS acted quickly in rectifying the incorrect advice,” said Dr Marles.
As the peak professional body representing Australian general practice, the RACGP will continue to advocate on behalf of its members and the general practice profession.