Years ago, the need to identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients in general practice was recognised as an important step in helping to improve doctor–patient understanding and care. 

It was deemed to play a significant role in efforts to Close the Gap, enabling the provision of appropriately targeted immunisation and health checks. 

However, I found I had problems in implementing the measure in a practical sense.  

The powers that be emphasised that one needed to ask all patients their status as one could not assume such knowledge by a person’s appearance or name.