The RACGP wants GPs remunerated under Medicare for helping patients navigate the complexities of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, including for time spent on paperwork done outside consultations.

GPs are being asked to produce evidence of disability and other documentation to support National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) applications, yet Medicare rebates do not allow them to complete forms without the patient present. 

“There is no other avenue for GPs to be remunerated for their time and expertise unless they charge the patient a fee,” the college says in its new position paper on care for people with disabilities.

Released last week, the paper suggests that funding could come through MyMedicare, the voluntary patient enrolment scheme introduced by the Federal Government.