A third of Australia’s primary health care nurses say they their skills are being under-utilised, with outdated Medicare billing protocols cited as the reason.
Medicare prevents medical practices claiming payment from the government for most services provided by a nurse unless a GP is present, according to peak body the Australian Primary Health Care Nurse Association (APNA).
More than half of about 4000 primary health care nurses who responded to a national survey by the association said they had asked to use more of their skills at work, but less than four in 10 reported any change.
More than a quarter were denied outright, with some told it was because there was no financial benefit to their employer.
Primary care nurses work mainly in GP offices with a focus on the prevention of illness and promotion of health and wellness.
APNA president Karen Booth said bundled payments for individuals with chronic and complex health issues would free up GP time and allow more flexible use of nurses.
“Australia’s health system can’t afford to have highly skilled, experienced and motivated primary health care nurses sitting under-utilised when there is so much more they could be doing,” she said.
Nurse care could include cardiovascular education, vaccinations, wound care and preventative health approaches such as primary health care screening and advising people on self-care to keep them well, she said.
“Primary health care nurses are ready, willing and able to do more. They are highly motivated, highly educated, and highly experienced,” she said.
The Albanese government’s federal budget announcement of Medicare reforms around a multidisciplinary model of care laid the groundwork for structural change.
“APNA looks forward to working with Health Minister Mark Butler to implement these Medicare reforms as efficiently and quickly as possible.”
There are about 100,000 primary health care nurses in Australia, with the government predicting a shortage of 85,000 nurses by 2025.
– AAP
