The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) says a constructive and solutions-focused debate is required in discussions about improving the Australian health system.
RACGP President Dr Frank R Jones said that within the current healthcare system in Australia there are opportunities for improvement, but to describe fee for service as broken is extreme.
“It is important to bear in mind that Australia already has a strong health system compared to other OCED countries, with comparatively low health spending and strong health outcomes.”
“There is no international evidence that ‘pay-for-performance’ systems improve health outcomes or reduce health spending.”
“We do not need to import failed health systems from overseas. We need our own solutions for our own health system. Australia is known worldwide as a country of innovators and health is an area that deserves our full attention to build a solid social and economic future.”
“The RACGP supports a system-wide approach to reform involving the government, GPs, specialists, other health professionals, and patients. However, this cannot be about assigning blame or fighting over ownership.”
On Monday the RACGP called for the government to keep evidence-based care at the forefront whilst undertaking the MBS review. Dr Jones said the RACGP strongly supports reducing waste in the health system, and has been actively leading on projects aimed at reducing over-diagnosis and over-treatment.
“The RACGP is one of the medical colleges leading on the Choosing Wisely campaign, which aims to improve the quality of healthcare and facilitate better conversations between clinicians and patients. Improving patient health literacy must be a priority.”
“The recently released RACGP Vision for general practice and a sustainable healthcare system calls for an overhaul and improvements in current general practice funding.”
The RACGP will continue to advocate on behalf of the profession, encouraging patients to have a conversation with their GP, and reiterating the value of general practice at the core of our health system.