The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is calling for the Federal Government to improve support for longer consultations and home visits, in line with the goals of the 2025 International Day of People with Disability.
This year's theme focuses on "fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress". The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing also released documentation covering the theme, which suggests a range of measures to support inclusion, including the need to "make sure everyone can use healthcare and take part in education".
Associate Professor Joel Rhee is currently engaged in a research project alongside RACGP President Dr Michael Wright mapping GP home visits throughout New South Wales. He said home visits were especially important for people who can't easily get to the clinic, including older adults, people living with disability, and those needing palliative care.
"Home visits allow continuity of care and help address mobility barriers, which are critical for these groups," Dr Rhee said. "They also reveal invaluable information on the patient's social context.
"Unfortunately, the number of home visits has been declining for decades. Back in 1994, there were about 3.9 million GP home visits across Australia. By 2024, that figure had dropped to just over half a million – an 85% decrease, despite an ageing, growing population and rising chronic disease burden.
"Telehealth has helped in some ways, but there are things you simply can't do over the phone – physical examination, immunisations, and the comprehensive care that vulnerable patients often need."
Dr Rhee said the research team is motivated by a shared belief in continuous, ongoing care for some of the most vulnerable members of the community – seeking to lead changes to healthcare policy with objective evidence obtained from research studies. Their study will analyse data from more than 267,000 adults in NSW to identify the patterns, reasons and results of GP home visits.
To improve outcomes for patients, Dr Rhee said: "better remuneration and resourcing are the low-hanging fruit."
"Current Medicare rebates for home visits provide just over $30 for travel.
"This is expected to cover unlimited time for travel and transportation costs. If a doctor visits more than one patient, then $30 is split among all the patients.
"A healthier future would see home visits targeted to those who require them.
"This includes older adults, people with disability, and those with end-of-life care needs, supported by funding and workforce models that make them viable.
"They should complement telehealth, not compete with it, because in-person care is still essential for many clinical needs."
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