Closing the Gap - Improving Aboriginal Access to Primary Health Care Project

The Mid North Coast Division of General Practice has an Aboriginal Health Project funded under Closing the Gap.

The overall aim of the project is to contribute to closing the gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians by improving access to culturally sensitive primary care services for Indigenous Australians.

It is recognised that chronic diseases and associated risk factors are responsible for about two-thirds of the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. It is also recognised that mainstream primary care provides a first point of call for health services and that cultural barriers can limit usage of these services by Indigenous Australians.

This project is part of the Engaging Divisions of General Practice to Improve Indigenous Access to Mainstream Primary Care program.  This program is designed to deliver a comprehensive chronic disease management program that provides improved uptake of health checks and follow-up care in a coordinated, accessible and systematic manner for Indigenous people.

Indigenous PIP
The new Indigenous Practice Incentive Payment commenced on May 1.  It has 3 components, a sign-on payment of $1000 per practice, a patient registration payment of $250 per year and outcomes payments of up to $250. This PIP is designed to improve the care provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with chronic disease through health assessments, care plans and regular follow-up.

PBS Co-payment
The new PBS Co-payment commenced on July 1 2010. This measure has been established to reduce the cost of PBS medicines for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with, or at risk of, chronic disease. It means lower or nil patient co-payments for PBS medicines.

For more information please contact Celia Wigzell on 6651 5774 or go to: http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/provider/incentives/pip/forms-guides.jsp.

Links to documents Integrating Mental Health into Primary Carend Protocols for the Delivery of SEWB and MH in Indigenous Communities: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/cairns_hinterland/html/mh_prot_survey.asp
http://www.who.int/mental_health/resources/mental_health_PHC_2008.pdf