The leading representative body for general practice in Australia, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), will not support the Federal Government’s $7 co-payment scheme as proposed which threatens universal access to healthcare.
The RACGP today released an official position statement on co-payments in general practice in response to wide-spread opposition from the general practice profession and Australian public regarding the Government’s proposal.
RACGP President, Dr Liz Marles said the statement aims to clarify and further reiterate the RACGP’s position on the controversial move and sends a strong message that the RACGP does not support the co-payment proposal.
“The RACGP has been steadfast on its position regarding the introduction of a co-payment model since it was first rumoured at the end of last year,” said Dr Marles.
“Our position has not changed, and this statement provides a detailed breakdown of our stance with strong evidence to support the rationale behind it.
“The RACGP cannot support a $5 reduction in patient rebates - which contribute to a $3.47 billion disinvestment - for GP attendance items, pathology and diagnostic imaging services.
“The $7 co-payment model, as currently proposed, will have severe impacts on the most vulnerable populations in Australia and will result in increased healthcare expenditure in the long term.”
The announcement comes after an 18 month freeze on GP rebates which have prevented general practice from keeping pace with escalating healthcare costs and failed to adequately support the profession.
“We understand that many Australians are in a position to make a contribution to the cost of their healthcare and the RACGP supports GPs’ right to determine a fair and equitable fee for their services.
“The RACGP is not against private billing. The RACGP is against the abolition of universal healthcare and the impact it will have on the most vulnerable and the general practice profession.”
The position statement also clarifies that whilst the Government has described this move as a means of reducing unnecessary general practice consultations, there is little international evidence to support this.
“The model, as currently proposed, will seriously compromise the financial viability of general practice business models with outcomes that will impact on the quality of care.
“Existing workforce maldistribution is likely to be exacerbated by the co-payment as doctors are disincentivised from working in low socioeconomic areas,” said Dr Marles.
Driving continuity of care, not co-payments, must be the Government’s highest priority when seeking to reduce healthcare costs.
The RACGP will continue to explore an alternative funding model for general practice and calls on the Government to continue its conversation with the profession.