Allied health measure improved but not perfect says Australian Medical Association
"We've had discussions with the Minister," Dr Glasson said. "Most of our concerns have been addressed, but linking the initiative to an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan will create more red tape for doctors. We already know GPs are cautious about linking patient care to EPCs because of the red tape involved. Care for the chronically ill, those with complex care needs and the elderly would be better delivered through the introduction of a fully funded and indexed 7-tier general practice structure which takes into account the time it takes to care for patients with complex medical issues.
"Under the new initiative GPs can refer patients with chronic or complex illnesses who are on an EPC plan to an Allied Health Provider (AHP) for care that will help manage their ongoing health needs. This recognition of a GP's role in managing patient care is welcome. GPs manage patient care in consultation with the patient. It's important that they're fully informed about care received from other sources. AHPs will feedback to GPs after each patient visit. This is also important for the quality of ongoing care.
The Government's plans for delivery of the new Medicare allied health measure are the best possible way of managing what was a fairly poorly conceived measure.
"The $44 rebate for eligible patients will make appropriate care more affordable. It's also good to see that patients' out of pocket costs will be included in the safety net," Dr Glasson said.
The Health Insurance Commission (HIC) will determine which patients are eligible for EPCs and doctors will have access to an eligibility checking system they can choose to use before undertaking an EPC. HIC will also determine requirements AHPs must meet before they can register for the program.
"Because the initiative is only available to a limited group of patients, the Government must clearly explain to the public exactly who is eligible," Dr Glasson said. Unless this education occurs, GPs will be unfairly pressured by ineligible patients wishing to access the service.
AMA President in SA
AMA President Dr Bill Glasson visits South Australia next week. Local GPs have the opportunity to meet Dr Glasson at breakfast function being held on Friday 18 at AMA (SA), Newland House, 80 Brougham Place, North Adelaide. Dr Glasson is keen to hear from SA GPs about local health issues. If you would like to attend the breakfast please contact Kirsty Sheperdson on 08 8267 4355.
Dental Health negotiations continue apace
The AMA and other general practice groups met with dental health organisations and the Government this week to continue discussions on implementation of the new Medicare dental health measure. At the Medicare Benefits Consultative Committee meeting yesterday the final details of the initiative were determined. The program will be based on a simple GP referral system, with the dentists indicating they want no involvement with HIC and Medicare. This means patients will pay up front and obtain their rebate from Medicare. There will be three items, with one being a compulsory dental health assessment. It was agreed to allow "bundling" of items so the patient can receive assessment and treatment in one visit when necessary.
Support for Aphasia sufferers
The Australian Aphasia Association is holding a conference in Newcastle on 21-22 October. This conference is to help people with aphasia to participate in their own communities; to increase public awareness of aphasia; to provide information about aphasia; and to influence funding and public policy for aphasia. GPs may wish to inform any patients with Aphasia or caring for someone with Aphasia about this conference. For general enquires: contact Georgi Laney on (02) 49214882 or email georgi.laney@hunter.health.nsw.gov.au
http://www.ama.com.au/web.nsf/doc/WEEN-5ZU9RT
ALLIED mãsurã de sãnãtate îmbunãtãþite, dar nu perfect spune australian Asociatia Medicala - Allied health measure improved but not perfect says Australian Medical Association - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate