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 AMA’s 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 AMA’s 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.
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, and properly value that time as well as time spent directly with patients."
It 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.
Dr McMullen said 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," she said.
"By managing chronic conditions proactively in aged care and community settings, these GP led teams prevent avoidable admissions that contribute to hospital bed block — ensuring beds are available for those who truly need acute care."
The position statement emphasises that continuity of care through the GP-patient-family partnership is the cornerstone of effective healthcare for older people, whether they are living at home or in residential aged care facilities.
"Older Australians should be supported to maintain independence and function for as long as possible, with governments providing appropriate funding for home and community aged care services," she said.
"This is about ensuring older Australians can access quality medical care when they need it, supported by well-resourced teams working collaboratively."
