What Exactly is Meant by the Term 'Usual GP'?
Tanya Gradolf, CDM October 08
The 'usual GP' issue might rise from our GP workforce shortages, and patients' desire for appointments at their convenience, leading to patients being more mobile than ever before.
Let's start with DoHA's definition of a 'usual GP':
The patient's 'usual GP' means the GP, or a GP working in the same medical practice, that has provided the majority of care to the patient over the previous 12 months and/or will be providing the majority of care to the patient over the next 12 months. The usual GP should be of the opinion they will be responsible for the continuing primary care of the patient's condition that is being managed using the relevant EPC or Medicare item. The GP should be satisfied that their peers would agree with this opinion, given the patient's needs and circumstances. The term 'usual GP' would not generally apply to a practice that provides only one specific EPC service.
To avoid the pitfalls of duplication of EPC & CDM services, open communication with patients about who they perceive their 'usual GP' to be, and good documentation about this fact in the patients record is needed.
Another option is to contact Medicare Australia (while the patient is with you) on 132 011 to determine whether these services have been claimed.
Have you visited the Ballarat Community Health Centre web site yet?
A direct link to BCHC's services is now available by clicking overview of services link found on our CDM webpage. This link will take you directly to the services page, where you can view information about their services, fees, consumer rights and responsibilities, equity to access, privacy and freedom of information.
For more detailed information about programs that are offered from BCHC follow the link to programs and events. They have a variety of self-management and lifestyle modification programs available for patients who need a support with improving their health status.
And, speaking of Self Management, have you considered referring patients to the Health Independence Program which has been especially developed for patients with chronic disease? Again we have a link on our CDM webpage: follow self management program link.
Queries about programs may also be directed to about BCHC via phone 5338 4500, email .
See this month's article Ballarat Community Health Centre: Your Partner in CDM for more information on BCHC and how you could be part of a pilot program to improve patient health outcomes.
This article is available online at http://bddgp.org.au/article/2008/10/usual-gp
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