Cancer and other serious illnesses could go undiagnosed if specialists take on GP tasks, RACGP says

GP groups have called for higher Medicare rebates to boost bulk-billing rates and encourage more doctors to enter general practice, while allied health groups say they should be better engaged to undertake some tasks normally done by GPs in order to reduce wait times.

Clements, who runs practices in Townsville and rural Queensland, said he and the RACGP backed the concept of multidisciplinary care, but worried that changes could erode funding for GPs.

Clements raised a recent example from his clinic work, where a longtime patient had reported seemingly unrelated symptoms. Following investigation and precautionary tests, the GP said his patient was diagnosed with lymphoma, a serious form of cancer.

He said the RACGP was keen to work collaboratively with allied health services, but made it clear the group would push to keep GPs at the centre of the discussion.

Instead, he called for Butler to pledge further funding to increase Medicare rebates for GP visits, to lower or eliminate gap fees and encourage patients to keep a regular GP.