The Federal Government’s decision to abandon its $5 co-payment is good news for patients but the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is calling for an end to the freeze on patient rebates.
RACGP Vice-President Dr Morton Rawlin said a $5 co-payment would have seen patients delay going to a doctor due to the out-of-pocket costs, putting patient safety at risk.
The RACGP and its members have campaigned against proposed changes to Medicare since January 2014. The RACGP’s You’ve been targeted campaign included an online petition which gained almost 45,000 signatures from GPs and patients in less than seven days.
“GPs across the country will be feeling a sense of relief that the government has listened to frontline GPs and acted in the best interest of patients,” Dr Rawlin said.
However, Dr Rawlin said continuation of a freeze on patient rebates must be lifted as soon as possible because of the serious implications to general practice.
“The cost of delivering high quality care continues to rise every year and the RACGP will be urging the government to lift the freeze on patient rebates.
“Continuing the freeze will force GPs to pass on increasing out-of-pocket costs to patients; threaten the provision of quality clinical services; place recurring pressure on the business viability of practices; and increase health system costs downstream,” Dr Rawlin said.
He said the RACGP welcomed Health Minister Sussan Ley’s commitment to continue to consult with the profession on how a sustainable health funding model can be created for the future.
“The RACGP looks forward to continuing to work with the government. We will be emphasising the need to invest in general practice because this results in long term savings and better outcomes for patients. A sustainable, evidence-based funding model is essential,” Dr Rawlin said.
The RACGP is also calling for the government to formalise a GP health reform advisory committee consisting of government, patient and GP representatives with a mandate to guide consultation with government and stakeholders.