Accreditation: RACGP wants practices to undergo random spot checks

The assessments need to capture real-world general practice, the college argues

A “continuous” approach to GP practice accreditation with random spot checks should be trialled to help modernise the scheme, the RACGP says. 

Currently, accreditation visits occur towards the end of each three-year cycle, with teams of assessors inspecting clinics, reviewing documents and interviewing staff over a single day. 

It’s often a huge event in the calendars of more than 6,200 GP practices which determines access to thousands of dollars in PIP payments.  

But the RACGP claims when practices are given significant notice, they are spending too much time and effort in preparing for the visit.