Fragmented and failing: AMA sounds alarm on GP access in aged care

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has warned that older Australians in residential aged care are being denied timely coordinated medical care because of deep structural failings in the system. It is urging the federal government to overhaul funding, regulation and digital infrastructure to prevent further harm.

In its newly released position statement on medical care for people in residential aged care homes, the AMA outlines what is needed to ensure residents can access regular GP care.

Despite many residents often having long‑standing relationships with their doctors before entering aged care, AMA president Dr Danielle McMullen said the system is so fragmented that those GPs are routinely unable to continue caring for their patients once they move into a facility.

“GPs have often known their patients for many years, but we are seeing a breakdown in care once patients enter aged care homes because of lack of funding, regulatory barriers, and poor interoperability between digital systems,” she said.

“The current system is badly fragmented and, as is unfortunately often the case, it is patients who suffer as a result.”

The AMA argues that entering a residential aged care home should not diminish a person’s access to medical care or continuity with their usual GP. Instead, it says, the system has become crisis‑driven, with residents often only receiving medical attention when they deteriorate. This often leads to hospital transfers, potential ambulance ramping and increased pressure on emergency departments.

Dr McMullen said regular, planned GP visits would prevent many of these crises.

“The absence of preventive GP‑led care results in many unnecessary hospital transfers and admissions,” she said.

“If aged care residents had regular access to their usual GP and an adequate registered nurse presence in their facility, these issues could be avoided.”

The position statement calls for a GP‑led team‑based model of care, which would enable GPs to work closely with nurses, pharmacists, geriatricians, psychiatrists and allied health professionals. It also emphasises the growing need for high‑quality dementia care and the importance of having enough registered nurses to support medical decision‑making and monitor residents’ health.

The AMA identifies funding the current funding model as a major barrier to achieving this.

It says current Medicare rebates do not reflect the complexity of aged care medicine or the significant time GPs spend coordinating care, liaising with families and reviewing clinical information. The Association is calling for higher rebates, simpler incentive payments and proper funding for case conferences, palliative planning and after‑hours care.

Digital systems are a point of weakness, the AMA says, citing outdated and incompatible software across aged care homes, GP clinics and hospitals, which undermines safe and coordinated care.

It is calling for major investment in interoperable digital platforms, real‑time record sharing and virtual‑care capability, arguing that My Health Record is “not fit‑for‑purpose” for aged care.

The organisation also says that unclear regulatory responsibilities and workforce sustainability issues make compliance obligations more burdensome than they should be. The AMA wants clearer standards, better education and a regulatory environment that supports collaboration rather than confusion.

Dr McMullen said the reforms are essential to ensuring older Australians receive the dignified, coordinated care they deserve.

“The AMA wants to see investment in integrated care models, fair funding, modern digital infrastructure, and sustainable workforce strategies so aged care residents receive high‑quality care,” she said.