The Australian Medical Association (AMA) launched its 'Modernise Medicare' campaign, urging the Australian Government to reform the Medicare system. The AMA argues that Medicare is outdated and no longer meets the needs of today's patients, highlighting the increase in chronic diseases and mental health issues. The campaign proposes increased funding for general practice, a new consultation item structure, and more training places for general practitioners to address these challenges.
The Australian Medical Association has launched its Modernise Medicare campaign, calling for reform of the Medicare system to ensure Australian patients can get the healthcare care they need. According to the AMA Medicare is stuck in the 1980s, no longer meeting the needs of today’s patients.
In 1983, a universal health insurance scheme was re-established, with Medicare starting on the following year.Danielle McMullen, president of the Australian Medical Association, says Medicare is stuck in the past. "The average consultation time is now up to more than 18 minutes with the GP. But Medicare was built at a time when it was more common to just spend five to 10 minutes in that room. And our Medicare rebates for longer consultations just haven't kept pace with the cost of care. It means patients are having to spend more and more out of pocket, it's costing more and more to go to the doctor and we know that's difficult in the time of a cost of living crisis.
"Within the longer consultations it gives you the ability to provide the full comprehensive care. In five minutes you just can't do it, often people will present with one problem, maybe two or often three or four. Then there's also their preventative health things, like making sure that they've had all the screening that they need up to date, and also talking about their mental health conditions, even social issues, all of those things take more time.
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