Fremantle GP Network

Aged Care

Aged Care Access Initiative (ACAI)

The Aged Care Access Initiative (ACAI) is a three year program funded (from July 2008) by the Department of Health and Ageing. It aims to improve access to primary care (GP and allied health services) for residents of aged care facilities (RACFs).

The ACAI supports improving access to GP and allied health services for residents of aged care facilities through two separate components:

  1. An incentive payment through the Practice Incentive Program (PIP) to encourage GPs to provide more services in RACFs. The GP ACAI recognises some of the difficulties faced by GPs in providing care in these settings and aims to encourage GPs to continue to provide increased and continuing services in RACFs. The PIP payments are administered through Medicare Australia.
  2. A payment for clinical care provided by Allied Health Professionals (AHP) in RACFs, where these services are not currently covered by Medicare or other government funding arrangements. This component is managed by State Based General Practice Networks in each state and territory where allied health services may be purchased directly or through contractual arrangements with local General Practice Networks.

What is Fremantle GP Network's Role?

Fremantle GP Network is funded to provide the opportunity for RACF residents to access therapeutic allied health services from a range of AHPs.

RACFs and/ or AHPs currently providing allied health services within Fremantle GP Network boundaries are invited to implement group/ sessional therapeutic sessions as appropriate.

In addition Fremantle GP Network continues to support GPs working within RACFs through a number of activities including:

  • Identification of the issues, barriers and enablers to working in the residential aged care sector
  • Coordination of a professional development program aimed at GPs and RACF staff
  • Encouraging GPs to commence visiting RACFs 

Useful Links

WAGPN- Aged Care Program http://www.wagpnetwork.com.au/site/index.cfm?display=9958

Department of Health and Ageing- Primary Care Division http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ageing-whatnew.htm-copy2

Contact

Daniele McGrath

Tel: 9319 0555

Email: daniele.mcgrath@fremantlegpnetwork.com.au