Albany GP calls on next Federal government to boost Medicare rebates ahead of election

An Albany GP is calling on the next Federal government to increase Medicare rebates and introduce a system that encourages hospital follow-up appointments. Before every Federal election, the Royal Australian College of GPs develops an election statement which outlines policy priorities to boost the health system and long-term patient health outcomes. This year’s statement calls for new service incentive payments to improve regular and preventive care for senior residents, a new service incentive payment for patients with mental health issues, an increase to Medicare rebates for patients who need longer appointments and the retention of telehealth rebates for patients to have longer consultations with their GP. The RACGP is also calling for a new service incentive payment for people living with disability that provides for a health assessment and completion of National Disability Insurance Scheme reports and documentation. RACGP’s rural council co-opted member and Albany GP Dr Lorraine Hopkins has called on the next Federal government to make a significant investment in general practice care. In April, the Australian Senate’s community affairs references committee released an interim report into GP and primary health services care, recommending the Federal Government look at increasing Medicare rebates for all levels of consultations. “The Federal Government should increase Medicare rebates by 10 per cent for Level C consults, which last at least 20 minutes, and Level D GP consults which last at least 40 minutes,” Dr Hopkins said. “This will allow us to take the time needed to care for patients in the Great Southern with complex needs, such as those with mental health concerns and people with multiple chronic conditions like asthma. “It’s also time for a new Medicare item for longer consultations lasting more than 60 minutes so that we can take the time to get to the bottom of what is going on.” Dr Hopkins said boosting GP care would help ensure no patient fell between the cracks of the health care system. “We are also calling for the Government to put in place a system so that every patient has a GP consultation within seven days of an unplanned hospital admission,” she said. “This will improve continuity of care, ensure the GP is across whatever health condition led to the patient ending up in hospital and reduce the chance of readmission. “It’s a win-win for all concerned.”