What will the future of general practice care look like in Australia? This was one of many hot topics discussed at the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) 2023 Practice Owners National Conference in Adelaide.
The RACGP's 5th Practice Owners National Conference, from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 May, is the premier event providing education and professional development for GPs, practice owners and team members.
This year’s conference at the Adelaide Convention Centre tackled a variety of pressing issues and topics to help practices grow and improve services for patients across Australia, including:
· the future of general practice and GP team-based care
· how practices can adapt to better meet the needs of patients
· data and technology to improve patient care
· attracting and supporting international doctors to boost the GP workforce
· the threat of the new ‘Sick Tax’
Over 650 GPs, practices owners and other delegates attended the three-day conference, which kicked off with a masterclass for practice owners on Friday.
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins said the conference explored many burning issues for general practice care.
“It is a pivotal time for Australian general practice. For the first time in decades, we have a government that’s committed to strengthening Medicare and general practice care. Finally, GPs and the essential care we provide, keeping people healthy and living longer is being valued,” she said.
“This conference has given me the chance to speak with GPs and practice owners and hear their experiences from the frontlines. What I’ve heard a lot from our members are concerns about payroll tax, workforce, and recruitment. But the vibe is really positive, it’s enthusiastic and optimistic.
“The future of general practice care was a hot topic, including the benefits of GP team-based care for patients. Team care involving GPs is key to meet the needs of Australia’s population, and the increasing number of patients with chronic conditions and complex needs. We know it works. There is a great deal of evidence that shows how it benefits patients, including that it can help reduce hospital re-admissions.
“The new ‘Sick Tax’ is a big concern because it’s beyond the margins of most practices – they will be forced to pass the costs on to patients, or they’ll have to close. This is an extra state payroll tax on GPs who rent rooms from a practice owner; practice owners already pay payroll tax on our employees, including nurses, receptionists, and GP registrars. It undermines the Government’s Medicare reforms and recent significant investment in general practice care in the Budget. The RACGP is continuing to urge state and territory governments to put a stop to it.
“I want to thank everyone who came to our 2023 Practice Owners National Conference. These opportunities for GPs, practice owners and teams to come together, learn and discuss the big issues are so valuable. I hope you feel inspired and excited about the future of general practice care, as I do.”