How much of Australia’s health expenditure is allocated to general practice and primary healthcare?

Wright, Michael; Versteeg, Roald; Gool, Kees van

doi:10.31128/ajgp-11-20-5746

Cited by 7 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…There is clear evidence suggesting that adequate investment in preventive public health can be beneficial to the health system and be more cost effective to tertiary hospital care [ 112 ]. However, Australian total healthcare expenditure relating to public health is only 1.6% [ 113 ] and is considerably lower compared to other similar OECD countries [ 114 ]. This highlights investment in preventive public health is significantly inadequate and continues placing great pressure on Australia’s healthcare system [ 115 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Climate Change Adaptation Methods for Public Health Prevention in Australia: an Integrative Review

Walter,

Bricknell,

Preston

et al. 2024

Curr Envir Health Rpt

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Purpose of Review Climate change poses a serious threat to human health and well-being. Australia is not immune to the public health impacts and continues to be underprepared, putting the population health at risk. However, there is a dearth in knowledge about how the Australian public health system will address the impacts of climate change. Recent Findings This integrative review synthesises tools, frameworks, and guidance material suitable for climate change adaptation from a preventive public health perspective. The literature search was conducted in electronic databases MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Of 4507 articles identified, 19 articles met the inclusion criteria that focused on operational methods in public health and excluded the clinical context and reactive disaster response approaches. Summary This review revealed that Australia is ill-prepared to manage climate change adverse health impacts due to ineffective adaptation strategies. The review highlights that Australia urgently requires effective adaptation strategies such as undertaking a National Adaptation Plan process and an improved understanding in managing complex health risks. Taking this action will strengthen the public health system and build health resilience especially for vulnerable populations. These findings will help understand and develop of the necessary adaptive strategies in Australia.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Climate Change Adaptation Methods for Public Health Prevention in Australia: an Integrative Review

Walter,

Bricknell,

Preston

et al. 2024

Curr Envir Health Rpt

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“…Although healthcare funding is complex, in 2017-2018, approximately $9.77 billion was spent by the Australian government on GP services. 13 This included all MBS payments, Department of Veterans Affairs, Practice Incentive Program, and Primary Health Network spending. 13 In 2017-2018, 88% of the Australian population had a GP consultation, demonstrating both the necessity and scale of GP services.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…13 This included all MBS payments, Department of Veterans Affairs, Practice Incentive Program, and Primary Health Network spending. 13 In 2017-2018, 88% of the Australian population had a GP consultation, demonstrating both the necessity and scale of GP services. 14 The demand for GP services continues to grow, so it is essential that healthcare resources are directed at strengthening the capacity of the primary care sector.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Costs to the Medicare Benefits Schedule for general practitioner consultations: A time-series analysis

et al. 2022

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The COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst for the introduction of additional telehealth funding (telehealth item numbers) for general practitioner (GP) consultations through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) in Australia. This study evaluated the impact of telehealth funding on costs to the MBS for GP consultations from January 2017 to December 2021. An interrupted time series analysis assessed MBS costs (initial and monthly growth) for GP consultations (in-person, videoconference, telephone) before and after additional telehealth item numbers were introduced. From January 2017 to February 2020, total MBS costs for GP consultations were, on average, $545 million per month compared to $592 million per month from March 2020 to December 2021. There was an initial cost increase of approximately $39 million in the first month after additional telehealth funding was introduced ( p = 0.0001). Afterwards, there was no significant change in monthly costs ( p = 0.539). The introduction of additional MBS telehealth funding increased overall MBS costs for GP consultations. This increased cost for GP telehealth services could save costs to society if it translates into improved continuity of care, decreased hospitalisations, reduced productivity losses and improved patient outcomes. Future policy reform should incorporate a cost–benefit analysis to determine if increased MBS costs for GP consultations are a good investment.

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“…Despite focused and frequent reporting of declining GP bulk‐billing rates, far less attention and concern is directed towards the much lower bulk‐billing rates of non‐GP specialists (which are more likely to be catastrophically high), with out‐of‐pocket costs for non‐GP specialists and allied health services both higher 18 . The AMA and RACGP have called for greater investment in general practice, beyond the estimated only 6.5% of the total health budget 19 . Will the wider medical profession maintain support for reforms if the solution is to disinvest in procedural specialties and reinvest in lower paid consultation‐based specialties including general practice, community psychiatry, paediatrics and geriatrics?…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…18 The AMA and RACGP have called for greater investment in general practice, beyond the estimated only 6.5% of the total health budget. 19 Will the wider medical profession maintain support for reforms if the solution is to disinvest in procedural specialties and reinvest in lower paid consultation-based specialties including general practice, community psychiatry, paediatrics and geriatrics? How do we reorient our health system to deliver greater global value by shifting our investment profile towards primary care?…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Harnessing fast and slow thinking to ensure sustainability of general practice and functional universal health coverage in Australia

Douglas

Dykgraaf

Butler

2023

Medical Journal of Australia

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How much of Australia’s health expenditure is allocated to general practice and primary healthcare?

Cited by 7 publications

References 4 publications

Climate Change Adaptation Methods for Public Health Prevention in Australia: an Integrative Review

Climate Change Adaptation Methods for Public Health Prevention in Australia: an Integrative Review

Costs to the Medicare Benefits Schedule for general practitioner consultations: A time-series analysis

Harnessing fast and slow thinking to ensure sustainability of general practice and functional universal health coverage in Australia

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