Doctors call for "urgent investment" in GP aged care services

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has called for targeted Medicare rebate increases to improve access to GP services in aged care settings — releasing its revised Health and Care of Older People Position Statement 2025.

The position statement comes, AMA said, “as the aged care sector grapples with increasing pressure, stemming from critical levels of hospital bed block and rising demand for complex care”.

AMA added: “While it’s encouraging to see the November 1 aged care reforms aimed at strengthening the sector’s financial sustainability, urgent investment in GP services remains critical to ensure the system can truly deliver for older Australians.”

Highlighted in the AMA’s position statement is the need for immediate action to retain and increase the number of doctors working in aged care, with the data showing — at a time of increasing demand — a concerning decline in GP aged care visits.

“GPs play a pivotal role in aged care, but the current funding model doesn’t adequately recognise the additional time and complexity involved in caring for older people with multiple chronic conditions, while well intentioned reforms implemented in July 2024 are now proving to be a barrier to participation,” AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said.

“We need Medicare rebates that account for the time practitioners spend coordinating and connecting care, and properly value that time as well as time spent directly with patients.”

Enhanced multidisciplinary care that acknowledges the important role of geriatricians and allied health professionals in supporting functional recovery and maintaining day-to-day function for older people is called for.

“GP-led multidisciplinary teams that are adequately funded and function effectively can support older people to remain well and functionally independent, reducing overall costs and pressure on hospitals,” McMullen said.

“By managing chronic conditions proactively in aged care and community settings, these GP-led teams prevent avoidable admissions that contribute to hospital bed block — ensuring beds are available for those who truly need acute care.”

Whether older Australians are living at home or in residential aged care facilities, that continuity of care through the GP-patient-family partnership is the cornerstone of effective health care for older people is emphasised in the position statement.

“Older Australians should be supported to maintain independence and function for as long as possible, with governments providing appropriate funding for home and community aged care services,” McMullen said.

“This is about ensuring older Australians can access quality medical care when they need it, supported by well-resourced teams working collaboratively.”

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