The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) supports efforts by the Federal Government to reform the after-hours sector, to ensure Australian patients have access to after‑hours primary care services.
The reform will ensure patients have access to high-quality necessary care in the after-hours period, supporting continuity of care and delivering value for money to taxpayers.
RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel commended Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt MP for listening to the concerns of the RACGP and for implementing evidence-based adjustments to after-hours Medicare rebates.
“The gold standard for after-hours care is a consultation with a specialist GP or doctors actively working towards recognition as a GP,” Dr Seidel said.
“The proposed changes to the Medicare rebates make that very clear. This can only be in the best interest of patients.
“It is vital patients have access to high-quality after-hours primary care services. They have an important role to play in our healthcare system.”
Dr Seidel said the reform recognises the specialty of general practice, introducing differential rebates commencing in March 2018 for those doctors providing urgent after-hours attendances who are vocationally registered, or on a pathway to fellowship.
“This delineates between those who have specialised or are specialising in general practice and other doctors providing after-hours attendances,” Dr Seidel said.
Dr Seidel praised the reform for its support of restrictions on direct to consumer advertising by after-hours care providers.
“A stronger framework on consumer advertising by after-hours services would help stop the fragmentation of patient care and ensure the effective use of the funding available for Medicare rebates,” Dr Seidel said.
“The RACGP also supports the restrictions on booking for services outside the after-hours period and the efforts to have triage models directing patients to the right service for their needs.”
The RACGP is committed to working with the government and all stakeholders to see effective reform to the sector.
“We look forward to working closely with the Department of Health and all after-hours service providers to ensure any changes made do not have unintended consequences on appropriate patient access to high-quality primary care services in the after-hours period,” Dr Seidel said.
“We’re hoping this reform signals a further shift by the Australian Government towards building a world class health system.”
Visit the Department of Health website to view their media release: Ensuring Quality And Safety For After-Hours Care