Key Facts:
- Administrative reforms in GP practices could significantly boost healthcare productivity
- GPs report that PBS authority scripts, inconsistent digital forms, and government paperwork are major time-wasting activities
- The RACGP recommends integrating Online PBS Authorities with GP software, standardising digital forms, and funding administrative work through MyMedicare
These changes could free up thousands of hours for patient care, potentially improving health outcomes and reducing hospital pressure
Making simple, practical changes to general practice administration could unlock major productivity gains across Australia's healthcare system, new analysis from the RACGP's upcoming Health of the Nation 2025 shows.
The report, based on responses from more than 2400 GPs across Australia, reveals reducing time spent on unnecessary paperwork would give them more time to focus on patient care, improving health outcomes and easing pressure on hospitals.
It also highlights clear areas where smarter systems and digital improvements could unlock significant productivity gains.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the findings point to a major opportunity for health reform.
"If we make it easier for GPs to do their jobs, everyone benefits," he said.
"Cutting down on red tape would free up thousands of hours that could go back into patient care – longer consults, more appointments, and better health outcomes."
Opportunities for change
GPs identified several administrative tasks that waste time and could be easily improved:
- PBS authority scripts – 44% of GPs said the need to seek approval to prescribe certain medications via the PBS wastes valuable consult time, with many left on hold for up to 10 minutes
- Inconsistent digital forms – 36% pointed to time lost navigating outdated or incompatible clinical systems
- Government and insurance paperwork – 30% identified administration linked to state and federal agencies as a key drain.
Dr Wright said fixing these pain points would deliver measurable gains.
"Simple improvements, like integrating PBS authorities directly into GP software and creating consistent digital forms, would save time every single day," he said.
"This isn't about working harder – it's about working smarter. When GPs spend less time on paperwork, they can spend more time with patients, catching problems early and keeping people healthy."
A stronger, more efficient health system
The RACGP has put forward recommendations to the Productivity Commission that outline how smarter processes and better digital systems can increase efficiency. These include:
- Fully integrating Online PBS Authorities with GP software
- Establishing national standards for digital forms
- Funding administrative work outside consults through MyMedicare.
Dr Wright said these steps would boost both GP capacity and patient access.
"A health system that lets GPs focus on patients is more productive, more efficient, and delivers better outcomes for everyone," he said.
The RACGP's Health of the Nation 2025 report will be released on Tuesday 7 October.
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