Fund new MBS item for contraceptive counselling, says Senate inquiry
Reforms will only work if they recognise that contraception is 'more than a script', says RACGP president Dr Nicole Higgins.
A new Medicare item for contraceptive counselling and better funding for GPs to insert and remove IUDs are among the key recommendations from a federal Senate inquiry into reproductive healthcare.
The inquiry’s final report, published on Thursday, has 36 recommendations, including more cash for abortion consultations and encouraging PBS listing of more hormonal contraceptives.
It also calls for all public hospitals to either facilitate abortions or provide “timely and affordable” access to other providers.
The RACGP says a new standalone item for contraceptive counselling “will help … if it is set at a level that reflects the work involved”.
