Around $4b lost in Medicare freeze A new analysis lays bare the impact caused by the long-term devaluing of general practice, highlighting the urgent need for investment.
Rebate increases ‘not off the table’: Health Minister Payments and ‘flexible funding’ for practices to employ more nurses and allied health professionals are also being considered.
RACGP calls for support as patients face ‘impossible choice’ Investment is needed now as long-term reforms will not arrive quickly enough for some people, the college’s pre-Budget submission says.
Limited evidence behind decision to cut long phone consultations Health researchers want longer phone consultations to be reinstated, saying there was ‘little evidence’ to support the change.
Mental health care and the tyranny of distance People outside metropolitan cities face higher rates of suicide, worse mental health, and greater barriers to care, new research suggests.
Antenatal care item descriptor ‘doesn’t scratch the surface’ GPs are pushing for an update to the two-word, 30-year-old MBS descriptor to better reflect the level of care that falls under it.
‘Kicking the can down the road’: ECG decision under fire The RACGP is calling on the Government to abandon another review of ECG items and reverse a Medicare rebate cut.
Concerns over insurers’ push to fund GP visits Proponents have said it would help support under-pressure doctors, but public health advocates are worried it could lead to a two-tiered system.
RACGP President questions Government bulk-billing rates Dr Harry Nespolon said the actual figures are ‘potentially embarrassing’ for the Federal Government.
RACGP releases 2019–20 pre-budget submission The college has outlined its recommendations for Federal Government commitments.