Information for General Practice

Practice nurses adding value

Nurses are highly skilled and knowledgeable health professionals who work collaboratively with the general practitioner and other members of the practice team to provide safe and quality care.

Recognised benefits nurses can bring include:

  • improved outcomes in chronic disease
  • reduction in waiting times
  • improved public access
  • improved integration with the acute sector
  • emhanced patient satisfaction
  • an increase in the range of services available at the practice.

Other benefits

  • Improved work satisfaction for the GP
  • Additional support for the GP
  • Increased capacity for the practice to adapt to chanage
  • Improvements in quality of care to patients
  • Additional inducement to recruit new GPs
  • Increased income for the practice.

Financial incentives

Australian Government financial incentives include:

  • Practice Incentive Program (PIP) - Practice Nurse Payment
    Targets areas where patient access to medical services is limited, such as rural and remote communities and urban areas of workforce shortages
  • MBS items for practice nurse services
    A range of MBS items are available including immunisation, wound management, and Pap smears (RRMA 3-7)
  • Chronic Disease Management and Enhanced Primary Care
    Practice nurses are able to assist GPs with health assessments and chronic disease management services including, Asthma Management Plans, Diabetes Cycle of Care, GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements.

Information brochure for general practice