The Federal Government has today highlighted the “importance of developing better models of caring for patients, particularly in community settings”, a move that places Australian GPs at the centre of health reform.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is calling on the Government to make good on its pre-election commitment to re-build general practice in Australian ahead of the impending federal budget announcement.
In his address at the George Institute in Sydney, Federal Health Minister Peter Dutton stated investment in general practice will go further than funding, it will also ensure a greater concentration of general practitioners’ efforts on those with the greatest need in the community.
RACGP President, Dr Liz Marles said it is positive the Government is placing an increased emphasis on general practice to deliver much needed health reform; however, it must not implement solutions that risk universal access to healthcare.
“The RACGP does not support legislative change to the private health insurance act, to allow private health insurers to fund services currently funded by Medicare.
“This model has the potential to create a two-tiered health system which would undercut services for those patients with the least capacity to pay for them and who often have the greatest healthcare needs.
“Medicare must be appropriately supported to ensure those who cannot afford private health insurance continue to receive high-quality, comprehensive primary healthcare,” said Dr Marles.
Another Government focus will be on the continued development of the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR).
“It is positive to see the Federal Government today commit to the practical application of the PCEHR and demonstrate a genuine desire to work with the general practice profession; a move that the RACGP has long advocated for.
“Through consultation, we can ensure failures of the past are not repeated and a system is developed that is functional and benefits patients and GPs alike,” said Dr Marles.
The Government today implied the implementation of a co-payment model, stating: “those with a capacity to pay [should] contribute fairly”.
“The RACGP is concerned that equitable access to clinically appropriate healthcare will be compromised if such a model is implemented, and it is unlikely to produce the promised savings.
“The healthcare system is already fraught with barriers preventing patients from accessing primary healthcare services – including rising healthcare costs – and this will only add another layer of difficulty,” said Dr Marles.
The RACGP’s 2014–15 pre-budget submission details its recommendations for the Federal Government to invest in a funding model that supports improved general practice services through the implementation of the medical home.
The RACGP is committed to achieving the best possible health outcomes for all Australians and looks forward to working with the Government in building a robust and viable general practice profession.