GPs not 'glorified referrers': study

There is no evidence the introduction of the Better Access scheme has turned GPs into “glorified referr­ers”, researchers claim.

Professor Ian Hickie, a member of the National Mental Health Commission, made the accusation in the wake of the Federal Government’s announcement last year that it would cut $400 million from the Better Access scheme.

In a phrase that was widely condemned by GPs, the Sydney psychiatrist wrote that Medicare data showed GPs were not reviewing patients after drawing up mental health care plans, adding that GPs had allowed