In the lead up to the Federal Budget, ACRRM is calling for ongoing investment in the development of Rural Generalist (RG) specific MBS item numbers, to reflect the clinical complexities and responsibilities of providing high-quality care to rural, remote and First Nations communities.
ACRRM President Dr Dan Halliday said the timing is right with the imminent introduction of RG recognition as a specialised field within the specialty of general practice.
“ACRRM contends that the RG model of care is key to delivering the best possible healthcare services in rural, remote and first nations communities,” Dr Halliday says.
“It’s time to acknowledge that RGs do more, see more, and play a big role in their communities.
“They provide comprehensive primary care for individuals, families and communities, while also delivering hospital in-patient, secondary and emergency care in institutional, home or ambulatory settings.
"ACRRM Fellows (FACRRMs) achieve a specialist general practice qualification and are required to undertake mandatory skills development and assessment in obstetrics, emergency medicine, hospital inpatient care and population health, alongside an additional one to two years of assessed Advanced Specialised Training (AST) in a selected field.
“And with the joint application for recognition of RG Medicine as a specialist field within general practice expected to be determined this year, it’s a clear basis for MBS item numbers and industrial awards which recognise the distinct training, assessment and professional development associated with the RG scope.
“This could significantly add to the attractiveness of a RG career,” Dr Halliday adds.
The call for specific MBS item numbers which recognise the skillset of RGs is one of four key priorities in the ACRRM prebudget submission.
The remaining priorities for this year are:
“We look forward to working with all parties in the lead up to the Budget to provide a thorough understanding of the issues and opportunities.”
“ACRRM contends that the RG model of care is key to delivering the best possible healthcare services in rural, remote and first nations communities,” Dr Halliday says.
“It’s time to acknowledge that RGs do more, see more, and play a big role in their communities.
“They provide comprehensive primary care for individuals, families and communities, while also delivering hospital in-patient, secondary and emergency care in institutional, home or ambulatory settings.
"ACRRM Fellows (FACRRMs) achieve a specialist general practice qualification and are required to undertake mandatory skills development and assessment in obstetrics, emergency medicine, hospital inpatient care and population health, alongside an additional one to two years of assessed Advanced Specialised Training (AST) in a selected field.
“And with the joint application for recognition of RG Medicine as a specialist field within general practice expected to be determined this year, it’s a clear basis for MBS item numbers and industrial awards which recognise the distinct training, assessment and professional development associated with the RG scope.
“This could significantly add to the attractiveness of a RG career,” Dr Halliday adds.
The call for specific MBS item numbers which recognise the skillset of RGs is one of four key priorities in the ACRRM prebudget submission.
The remaining priorities for this year are:
- Expand and support a strong and sustainable ACRRM RG training pipeline to provide long-term, high quality rural and remote healthcare services.
- Support RG training and generational transfer through increased funding to recognise both the training and clinical consultancy roles of RG supervisors.
- Extend the RG training pipeline through funding to promote careers in rural medicine to remote, rural, and regional secondary school students.
“We look forward to working with all parties in the lead up to the Budget to provide a thorough understanding of the issues and opportunities.”
ENDS