Announcement date
28 April 2023
Link to announcement
Rebuilding Medicare for the 21st Century | Health Portfolio Ministers and Aged Care
Problem being addressed
The primary care system in Australia lacks a mechanism to formally link patients to primary health care providers and practices. Patients access care from a range of providers funded from various sources, either in community or in hospital settings. The limited system infrastructure currently available for multiple providers to coordinate across a patient’s care team and exchange or access relevant patient information reduces patients’ ability to experience continuity of care. This fragmented service delivery can negatively impact the quality of care provided to patients, leading to worse health outcomes and system inefficiencies. Formalising the relationship between the patient and their primary care team could lead to improved provision of holistic care.
Proposal
This proposal recommends the implementation of Voluntary Patient Registration (VPR) to promote continuity of care, strengthen the relationship between a patient, their General Practice and preferred care team, and help participating practices and providers better understand and meet their patients’ needs.
The implementation of VPR was a recommendation of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report and is proposed to be implemented from 1 October 2023. It will be voluntary for patients, providers and practices and available to all Australians. Patients will be able to choose to register with their regular general practice and nominate their preferred provider. This information will be available on the patient’s My Health Record to assist with coordination of care across the health sector. This will provide greater visibility over their patients’ care and support a cohesive team care approach among different health professionals. VPR will also enable access to person-centred funding packages to drive quality, continuous care for people who need it most.
Assessed Impact Analysis outcome
Adequate