The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has warned that the Federal Government’s proposed Medicare changes will result in poor health outcomes for patients who will be forced to pay more to see their GP.
The RACGP is the peak professional body for general practice in Australia representing more than 29,000 members working in or towards a career in general practice.
Giving evidence this morning at the Senate Select Committee on Health, RACGP President Dr Frank R Jones said the proposed Medicare cuts would put enormous pressure on GPs and pose risks because patients would delay going to the doctor due increased out-of-pocket expenses.
“It is an economic no brainer; investing in general practice will result in long term savings and better health outcomes for patients,” Dr Jones said.
Dr Jones said well-resourced primary health care led to an almost 50% cut to the number of emergency hospital visits and when patients were admitted, the length of stay was halved.
“What the government needs to understand is that if you want to improve the budget bottom line, you’ve got to pick winners,” Dr Jones said.
“GPs are cost effective and reduce hospital admissions, saving the system money and improving patient health outcomes.”
Dr Jones welcomed the Federal Government’s recent move to abandon a planned $20 reduction for consultations lasting less than 10 minutes but said that consultations over further planned cuts need to be carefully considered based on evidence.
“Our impression from the Federal Government is that consultations regarding the remaining proposed changes to Medicare will be limited to a matter of weeks, and this is nowhere near long enough to develop a sustainable alternative,” Dr Jones said.
“The RACGP is calling for the immediate implementation of a six month moratorium and the formation of a GP advisory group consisting of representatives from government, patients and the GP profession to guide informed consultations on Medicare reform.”
The RACGP remains committed to negotiating a positive outcome with government that best protects patient safety and supports a viable general practice profession.