The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is calling on the federal Government to ensure affordable access to antenatal care for expectant mothers.
In a letter to Health Minister Greg Hunt, the RACGP said designated Medicare items for antenatal care – which pay $41.70 regardless of the duration of the consultation – do not reflect the growing complexity of antenatal consultations. This is making it increasingly unaffordable for many expectant mothers to access the care they need.
RACGP President Dr Karen Price said antenatal care in general practice was critical and must be affordable for all mothers.
“GPs play an important role in providing antenatal care across Australia, particularly in areas where there is a lack of other specialists such as rural and remote communities,” she said.
“Many expectant mothers also prefer to see their usual GP for antenatal care because they know and trust them and want their support during what can be an uncertain and anxious time.
“The problem is, there have been significant advances in antenatal care over the years both in terms of medical science and technology, and the Medicare patient rebates have not kept pace with the cost of providing modern antenatal care.
“We have greater awareness of mental health issues and the health impacts of domestic violence. GPs are trained to spot the signs and start conversations to support expectant mothers experiencing these issues, but of course it can be extremely sensitive and having more time to spend with these patients is critical.
“Antenatal consultations today involve extensive monitoring of health problems and potential complications, such as diabetes and anaemia. GPs also provide advice on nutrition and physical activity and help prepare the new mother for childbirth and breastfeeding.
“As such, antenatal care is often highly complex and consultations can extend well beyond 20 minutes. This is particularly true for vulnerable and disadvantaged patient groups, such as those in rural and remote communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and culturally and linguistically diverse patients.
“However, current Medicare funding for patients does not allow for longer consultations.
“Indeed, a 2021 survey of over 1000 GPs revealed 89.4% of respondents think antenatal care has become more complex over the course of their career, and 99.2% said patient rebates did not cover the costs of providing this care.”
“During the pandemic, GPs have been seeing more patients for antenatal care, helping ease pressure on our overburdened hospital system. But if practices are not appropriately supported and can’t afford to provide this critical care, it will reduce access for patients and put more pressure back on the hospitals when they really don’t need it.
“High-quality antenatal care is essential for the health and wellbeing of both mother and child – it ensures a healthy start to life for a new baby.
“The Government needs to act now to fix this problem and ensure affordable access to high-quality antenatal care for all those who need it. Patients should be able to access a higher Medicare rebate if a consultation is longer or more complex, just as they can for other consultations or conditions.
“There is an easy solution. The RACGP is calling for Level C and D Medicare Benefits Schedule general attendance items, which are for longer GP consultations, to be amended so GPs can use them for antenatal attendances that extend beyond 20 minutes.
“It is critical that Medicare policy and funding keeps up to date with evidence-based care to ensure the best health outcomes for patients. Everyone expecting a baby deserves access to high-quality antenatal care.”
Dr Wendy Burton, RACGP Antenatal/Postnatal Care Specific Interests Network Chair, conducted a private survey of over 1,000 GPs on the state of antenatal funding in 2021.
The overwhelming majority of respondents, 99%, said they think the current Medicare rebate for an antenatal attendance is insufficient.
Survey respondents said:
“Antenatal care has exponentially grown with the amount of information we are encouraged to obtain and impart. Women are also more informed and expert
