Submission

AMA response to the Discussion Paper for Consultation: Rural Allied Health Quality, Access and Distribution

The AMA submission to the National Rural Health Commissioner in response to the Discussion Paper for Consultation: Rural Allied Health Quality, Access and Distribution outlines the AMA's support for efforts to improve access for rural and remote communities to allied health professionals. 

The AMA’s submission outlines broad support for many of the suggestions, including more rural origin students, increasing training opportunities, and improved access to telehealth, but notes that many of the issues raised stem from the underfunding of state/territory-based programs. New sources of funding are required, not a redistribution of existing funds.

The submission also makes the point that new or additional items under the Medicare Benefits Schedule are not appropriate to address the issues and that the goal should be providing coordinated, GP-led care.

Read the full submission here.

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