The Productivity Commission will study the effects of paperwork on GPs in a bid to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
The seven-month study was announced today by the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Senator Ian Campbell.
"We are committed to cutting out unnecessary paperwork for doctors," Senator Campbell said. "This study will provide us with some valuable guides about how to achieve that.
The Commission will consult widely with interested parties, including GP organisations, to investigate the nature and magnitude of administrative and compliance costs and report on ways to ease minimise those costs."
Senator Patterson, also welcomed the review.
"I am committed to investigating the extent of the impact that paperwork has on general practice through a thorough review. I expect this research study by the Productivity Commission to provide valuable information in developing a national approach to addressing the impact of government paperwork on general practice," she said.
Senator Patterson said the concerns raised by GP groups in relation to paperwork also extended to programmes for which the State and Territory governments have responsibility.
"I will raise this issue with my State and Territory Health Minister colleagues at the next Australian Health Ministers' Conference. I will be urging all States and Territories to take a national approach to reviewing the impact of State and Territory government programmes on paperwork faced in general practice," Senator Patterson said.
The terms of reference are available on the Productivity Commission website at: www.pc.gov.au or by applying directly to the Commission on (02) 6240 3214.
Further Information:
Randal Markey (Senator Patterson's Office) (02) 62 777 220
Wayne Grant (Senator Campbell's Office) (08) 9421 1755