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The current EPC program is definitely a very positive aspect to our profession and provides the community with our much needed services.

My question is, as the elderly and diabetic population swells, will there be more allowances for more support in this area?

I do not only refer to the fact that it's a shared 5 allied health visits, but the gruelling process for all involved (especially GPS who don't have an assistant) in terms of paperwork...

I do understand it is in the best interest of the patient, however, some doctors just don't have the time to see to all of them with their stressful work loads as it is.

This is my opinion and I would love to see your insights and suggestions on how/if the profession can lobby for a friendlier system.

 

From the coalition health policy:

LL

 

Sorry LL, couldn't access that link are there any others? Cheers,
Paul.

 

Link appears to be working from my computer, if not, google it.

LL

 

Links all good here......Thanks Tony.

 

Unfortunately, this article is only gloss for the general practitioner. It does NOT show any new direction for the allied health groups. No doubt, the medicare funding has been great for Podiatry, but the huge paper warefare with letters coming to and from GP's to comply with Medicare has become overwhelming for my practice. I have 3 other Pods on staff, and we send detailed reports on all patients. The additional audio dictating we have adds hours to our workload, in addition to a new typist required.
I have spoken to other colleagues who "tick the box" on proformas, and simplify their reporting. The five allocated maximum is reasonable for most, but the ever increasing ulcerations which cannot be resolved in such a small time frame have not been addressed. Yes we need to be able to deliver more as required.
I would be interested thoughts and frustrations in the Medicare compliance dilemma.

 

I completely agree with you drfoot2, it's a pain not just for the GPs, but for us as well in terms of the paperwork.

Having to go through a gateway makes it more costly on so many levels and the money saved from simplifying the existing system would surely beneif the community and relieve stress on the public system.

A new system for us could, as a possibility, be as simple as qualifying someone as over the age of 75 and eligible for medicare rebates. Obviously I do not have the know how or intricate ability to devise/approve such a system but I'm certain it can be done. (hope i don't come across with contradiction there :s)

CHCs average (those I have been involved with) average 3month waiting periods.

We all know there are cases of neglect due to difficult financial circumstance and more often than not, they are eldely and on the pension.

Surely preventing serious health complications are more important than fat bats insulation and school halls that are still in good knick! Ends up costing the public system anyway!

 

I think podiatrists, GPs and other health professionals share similar concerns about the difficulties of the present system.

What annoys me most is that it seems every other day, more MBS funding is allocated to GPs and the medical profession - and nothing towards the dozen other professions involved in Australian health care. It is discriminatory.

The new announcement of $400million for 'telemedicine' is a great example. Hello! Ever heard of Skype? Its FREE! That funding would save an awful lot more limbs.

LL

 

Forgive me if I sound naive and/or plain stupid - I'm relatively new to this country, and as I don't work in the clinical setting have little experience of thie system here.

However, it seems to me that medicine is very doctor-focussed, with the AMA holding a significant amount of sway and other professional bodies being pretty much ignored. To do this is to deny the Australian public the health care that they really need - not that medics aren't important, just that all healthcare professionals have their place in improving health outcomes.

I'm not at all sure how this situation can be addressed, but am concerned that until/unless it is, the potential improvements in health care that Australia could see will just not happen. The system could work better, but it seems to be missing a few pieces that would allow that to happen.

Apologies if I've misunderstood the situation (but feel free to correct my ignorance - I'm always keen to learn!)

 

And also the AMA has a representative on the Podiatry Registration Board (and also on the Physio reg board etc). But no Allied Health rep on their board.

Cheers
Brett

 

Not correct, there is no medical rep on the PBA:

 

Thanks for that. I thought there was. Didn't there used to be?

 

It seems allied health are inferior to GPs and a large aspect of patient accessability to our services is completely governed by the docs. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all the referrals and help from my local GPs but it just doesn't make sense that we've been forced to be dependant on another discipline to do what needs doing!