Nurses can do more through building on bulk billing reforms

The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) welcomes the Australian Government’s renewed investment in Medicare through new incentives to strengthen bulk billing and make primary care more affordable for patients.  

APNA President Denise Lyons  said “These new bulk billing incentives are an important investment in health equity and in the primary care teams who make that possible.”  

“The Government’s focus on improving access for people aligns closely with the values and daily work of nurses in general practice.” She also emphasized the potential for primary health care nurses to do more if we break down barriers.  

“Affordable and equitable access to primary health care can make a real difference for people’s health” said APNA President Denise Lyons. “Primary care nurses are often the first point of contact for patients,”  

“Far too often access to primary health care is easier for those who can afford it and more challenging for those who are already struggling financially. In a just health system, everyone should be able to get the health care they need – it shouldn’t depend on your postcode or your pay packet.”  

APNA also emphasised that a well-resourced, team-based model of care is essential for long-term Medicare reform. “Investment in access is only part of the picture,” Mrs Lyons said. “To truly strengthen Medicare, we must also support the workforce that delivers it.” 

“Primary health care nurses are a highly skilled and qualified workforce, regularly undertaking immunisation, wound care, care planning and coordination, and so much more. They already play a critical role – but if we break down the barriers, nurses can do even more for their communities.  

“Removing barriers to nurse-led clinics, enabling Nurse Practitioners to access the bulk billing incentive, and implementing the reforms recommended in the Scope of Practice review are all steps that will enable nurses to do so much more, particularly in regional and remote areas. 

“We look forward to continuing to work with Government to ensure the new incentives are implemented effectively and that the broader reform agenda continues to build a sustainable, patient-centred primary care system.