A win for interdisciplinary collaboration

Tuesday 15 December 2020

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia welcomes the final report released by the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Review Taskforce, in particular the proposal to encourage increased patient participation and a rebate for non-medical health professionals attendance at case conferences.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Chris Freeman said the need to allocate rebates for non-medical health practitioner attendance at case conferences had been raised repeatedly by PSA and other stakeholders.

 

“PSA has championed pharmacists’ access to collaborative care items on the MBS for a long period of time and this recommendation to the Federal Health Minister brings us one step closer to achieving this,” he said.

 

“Creating MBS items for non-medical health practitioners to align with the equivalent GP items will foster better collaboration and enhanced safe and quality use of medicine outcomes for patients.

 

“This recommendation, if implemented by Government, means pharmacists will be one of the eligible groups to be remunerated for participation in interdisciplinary case conferences.

 

“Across community pharmacies, aged care, and in general practice the change to case conference reimbursement in addition to the recent introduction of the follow up medication reviews will be a game changer in improving the safe and quality use of medicines.”

 

PSA supports ongoing work to strengthen, modernise, and protect Australia’s world class health system, and the importance of keeping the MBS contemporary and able to meet the needs of patients.

 

A/Prof Freeman said PSA notes the Taskforce final report suggests the need for more research around MBS services and interventions as well as consideration of alternate funding models that best support patient care.

 

“PSA acknowledges that the 10-year primary Health Care plan will help provide a platform to this approach.

 

“PSA congratulates the Taskforce’s commitment to providing high-value recommendations to promote quality health care and patient safety supported by robust evidence.

 

“We look forward to working with the Federal Government to progress relevant recommendations to implementation.”

 

Media contact: PSA media 0487 922 176