Aged Care GP Panels

On 29 June 2004, the Federal Government launched a new Aged Care initiative to enable GPs to improve care for elderly patients and access to services for residents of aged care homes. The initiative is comprised of two components:

  • Assisting Divisions of General Practice to establish Aged Care GP Panels.
  • The provision of a new MBS Item for GPs to undertake Comprehensive Medical Assessments (CMAs).

The Capricornia Division of General Practice is coordinating "Aged Care GP Panels" to fill gaps in GP medical access for residents of aged care facilities and to participate in quality improvement activities in aged care homes. The Division will work with GPs and aged care homes to identify relevant activities for Panel GPs to undertake. Core activities of the Panel will cover:

  • Addressing issues of resident access to GPs, including residents without a usual GP or whose usual GP arrangements have broken down.
  • Participation in quality improvements activities within aged care facilities. 
  • Sourcing or adapting protocols that assist in improving medical care for residents and streamlining GP activities. 
  • Addressing barriers to primary care service provisions.

In 2007 the Federal Government have allocated additional funding for allied health to work with GPs and Panels towards the same objectives.

The Capricornia Division currently has GPs for the Aged Care GP Panel; and seeks to have two representatives for each of the geographical areas within the Division. Members of the Division's Aged Care GP Panel include:

  • Capricorn Coast - Dr Mick Donohue & Dr Patricia Harris
  • Gladstone - vacant 
  • Rockhampton South - Dr Robert Galley & Dr Joan Chamberlain 
  • Rockhampton North - Dr Darryl Ba Pe

To become involved in the Aged Care GP Panel Initiative, please contact Jenny Evans at the Division on 07 4921 7777.

Patient related websites:

Alzheimers
How to apply for a nursing home placement
GP Panel Terms of Reference
Comprehensive Medical Assessments
Advance Health Directive

Discharge Envelopes – To aid communication and document trails, the Division has developed in conjunction with other Divisions, an envelope to travel with patients from aged care facilities to hospital and return. These envelopes are currently available at the Division,  please contact Jenny if more are needed for your facility.

Medicare Item Numbers for Aged Care Residents