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Productivity Commission report on general practice red tape

The Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, has announced her commitment to addressing the issue of administrative costs for doctors associated with Government programs.

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11 April 2003

Productivity Commission report on general practice red tape

The Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, announced her commitment to addressing the issue of administrative costs for doctors associated with Government programs.

She welcomed the findings of a Productivity Commission report on general practice 'red tape'.

"I am determined that doctors should spend as much of their time with patients as possible," Senator Patterson said.

The General Practice Administrative and Compliance Costs report found there was scope to reduce the costs to GPs of complying with Commonwealth programs.

Senator Patterson said she had sought and already received advice from the General Practice Partnership Advisory Council on reducing red tape and improving care for patients with chronic disease.

"The Government will use this advice as a basis for further consultation with doctors to develop new and more efficient ways of promoting prevention and management of chronic disease," Senator Patterson said.

"I will work closely with the General Practice Reference Group to determine ways of simplifying the Practice Incentives Program (PIP) and Enhanced Primary Care (EPC).

"It is important that I consult with all the relevant groups and design a system which, as a matter of priority, delivers outcomes for patients and is efficient for GPs."

Senator Patterson said the Federal Government would work closely with the other levels of government, professional associations and other relevant agencies to address their role in reducing the compliance burden.

Senator Patterson acknowledged the work of the Productivity Commission in producing the report.

Media inquiries, contact Randal Markey, Media Adviser, Senator Patterson's office, 02 6277 7220.