Funding Australians to get GP care after unplanned hospital visits will improve health and reduce costs

The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is urging state and territory health ministers to better fund and support Australians who have unplanned hospital admissions, as they meet on Friday 6 December.  

The current lack of integration between state hospitals and general practice causes poor health outcomes, delays to care, wastes time for both patients and GPs, and wastes health system resources. The RACGP outlined the issues and its recommendations in a Submission to the National Health Reform Agreement Addendum 2020-2025 Mid-term Review.  

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said: “Research shows if GP specialists see people who have unplanned hospital admissions within 7 days they are less likely to go back to hospital. 

“The development of the National Health Reform Agreement for 2026 and beyond is an opportunity to reform the health system and to better link up care between hospitals and general practices. National and international evidence shows this better connection will get better health outcomes for Australians and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and costs. Lumos data shows visiting a specialist GP shortly after an unplanned hospital admission can reduce readmissions by up to 32%.      

“This would be a clear win for state and territory health ministers who urgently need to reduce pressure on overloaded state hospitals. And it gives Australians who unexpectedly find themselves in hospital the best chance of reconnecting with their GP, recovering more quickly and getting on with their lives. 

“The lack of integration between hospitals and general practice means GP specialists aren’t routinely notified that their patient has been in hospital, and we often don’t find out until they see us, which can be months later. GP specialists are also frustrated by complicated hospital referral processes which delay patient access to care and takes up valuable time which could otherwise be spent providing care to more patients – all this can and must be fixed.” 

The RACGP President also encouraged health ministers to consider the issues around the Scope of Practice Review and the Medical Board of Australia’s expedited pathway for overseas-trained practitioners. 

“Australia needs specialist GPs more than ever because our population is growing and ageing, along with a growing epidemic of chronic heath conditions. All doctors practicing in Australia need to be qualified and supported to practice safely and culturally appropriately. These standards must apply for Australian graduates, as well as doctors who gained their medical degrees overseas.   

“Ahpra’s expedited pathway started on October 21, but the information they have provided has not eased our concerns about how Ahpra will identify unsuitable candidates, or how they’ll ensure these doctors are supervised to the required standard. We also still don’t know how Ahpra will ensure doctors will be placed in areas of greatest need, or how they’ll encourage them to remain in these communities – we urgently need clarity. 

“Health ministers must be also made aware that the Scope of Practice Review has created a lot of unnecessary tension. A shortage of health professionals across the board means there is plenty of work for everyone – and what’s most critical is that all Australians have access to high-quality care.  

"Last year, more than 22 million Australians chose to see a GP specialist for their essential healthcare – they know there is no substitute for the quality care you get from a GP who knows you and your history.  

“To improve access to care and get the best results for patients, we’re asking the government to increase funding for longer GP consultations and for GP-led multidisciplinary care teams. Most practices in Australia already provide multidisciplinary care, and want to grow their teams with GPs, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health all working together to get the best results for their patients.