World Family Doctor Day, May 19, when we celebrate the heroes of healthcare in Australia: our General Practitioners (GPs). These dedicated doctors provide continuous care despite challenges such as a strained healthcare system, changes in Medicare billing and policies, financial hurdles, and the need to keep up with new technology, all while keeping us out of the hospital.
Dr. Nicole Higgins from the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) shares an important message: “GPs are there for us through every stage of life, providing care that looks at our whole health. Studies prove that having a regular GP can mean fewer hospital stays and a longer, healthier life.”
GPs: At the heart of our healthcare
Last year alone, GPs provided 179 million services to their communities. But getting timely access to a GP can still be tough. A report from HealthEngine shows that almost half of the people who needed urgent care had to wait more than a day. This shows how vital it is to keep improving our healthcare system and supporting our GPs.
The real-life impact of GPs
Switching to digital health systems has been a big change for GPs, requiring them to learn, adopt and evaluate new technologies like AI, while ensuring they continue to offer quality care. They are also key players in mental health, often being the first to spot signs of mental health issues. With around 19.3% of people skipping needed mental health care due to costs, GPs' roles in making care accessible are more crucial than ever.
Even when you're referred to specialists or allied health professionals, all the reports and updates on your condition funnel back to your GP. They become the central figure who knows your medical history and coordinates with other health care providers, making sure that care is consistent and comprehensive. Remember to verify with your GP and any healthcare professionals that your information is up-to-date in the ‘My Health Record’. It’s essential to be proactive and informed about your health information, similar to how Scripty provides a clear view of your eScripts.
Scripty: Making life easier for patients and GPs
To help make managing health simpler, Scripty's digital script wallet comes highly recommended by GPs. You can see Dr George Forgan-Smith's own video explaining how Scripty can help! This app makes it easy for patients to keep track of their prescriptions, helping prevent lost or forgotten prescriptions.
A heartfelt thank you to our GPs
On this World Family Doctor Day, let’s extend a big thank you to all the GPs across Australia. Your hard work, dedication, and compassion don't go unnoticed. At Scripty by Oexa, we're proud to support you with solutions that meet your needs and help you provide the best care every day.
Where we got our stats from...