THE Australian Medical Association (AMA) has called for increased Medicare funding and an expanded 'after hours' definition to improve access to GP services outside standard times for patients.
"Anyone who has needed care outside normal hours knows how difficult it is," said AMA President Steve Robson.
Expanding the 'after hours' window to include higher Medicare rebates from 6pm on weekdays and 12pm on Saturdays would provide more accessible options and ease pressure on emergency departments, added the AMA.
A 2022 report from the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine found that 39% of emergency department visits occurred between 6pm and 7:59am.
The AMA stated extended hours incentives would cost an estimated $339.7 million.
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