The department is working with the profession to see if virtual amalgamation can improve practice efficiency, the level of services available to patients and enhance the quality of life of general practitioners.

The Federal Government has allocated $1.5m for 15 demonstration projects which are testing a variety of innovative virtual amalgamation arrangements in different settings.

The projects promote collaboration between practices in such areas as after hours care, linkages with other allied health professionals, human resources, group purchasing, accounting and centralised practice management.

As priority was given to projects in rural and remote areas, 12 demonstration projects are being conducted in rural and remote areas, and three in urban settings in Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, NSW and West Australia.

Virtual amalgamation has great potential for general practices in rural and remote Australia and, if these trials are successful, may complement physical amalgamation in the future.

Submissions were received from 52 general practitioners groups around Australia and only projects involving five practices or less were considered for funding. The projects were assessed by a steering committee with representation from the profession and the Department of Health and Aged Care and will be evaluated by April 2002.

Media contacts: Jacinta Cubis (02) 6289 8460