AMA calls for urgent investment in GP aged care services
The Australian Medical Association has released its revised Position Statement on Health and Care of Older People, calling for targeted Medicare rebate increases to improve access to GP services in aged care settings.
The position statement comes as the aged care sector grapples with increasing pressure, stemming from critical levels of hospital bed block and rising demand for complex care.
While it's encouraging to see the November 1 aged care reforms aimed at strengthening the sector's financial sustainability, urgent investment in GP services remains critical to ensure the system can truly deliver for older Australians.
The position statement highlights the need for immediate action to retain and increase the number of doctors working in aged care, with data showing a concerning decline in GP aged care visits at a time of increasing demand.
In a media statement, AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said the current funding model fails to recognise the complexity of aged care medicine and is proving very complex for doctors to navigate.
"GPs play a pivotal role in aged care, but the current funding model doesn't adequately recognise the additional time and complexity involved in caring for older people with multiple chronic conditions, while well intentioned reforms implemented in July 2024 are now proving to be a barrier to participation," she said.
"We need Medicare rebates that account for the time practitioners spend coordinating and connecting care — rebates that properly value that time and the time spent directly with patients."
The position statement also calls for enhanced multidisciplinary care that acknowledges the important role of geriatricians and allied health professionals in supporting functional recovery and maintaining day-to-day function for older people.
Properly funded, GP-led multidisciplinary teams are essential to reducing hospital pressure and delivering better outcomes for older Australians.
"GP-led multidisciplinary teams that are adequately funded, and function effectively can support older people to remain well and functionally independent, reducing overall costs and pressure on hospitals," Dr McMullen said.
Read the Position Statement on Health and Care of Older People
