Specialist GPs will be able to diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and initiate and manage its treatment with stimulant medication under proposed WA Labor reforms hailed as a breakthrough for patients by Australia's peak body for general practice.
WA Labor worked closely with the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) to develop the proposal and has committed to implementing it in consultation with specialist GPs if returned to government at the state election on 8 March.
If the proposed changes are implemented, patients will be able to receive a diagnosis and treatment from specialist GPs with a specific skills in ADHD and peer support from specialist paediatricians or psychiatrists. Currently, patients must receive a diagnosis from a psychiatrist or paediatrician.
RACGP WA Chair and Vice President Dr Ramya Raman said the proposal is a welcome step forward.
"This proposal is the culmination of extensive discussions and work by GPs and the WA Government, but more importantly, calls from our patients for support to access potentially lifechanging treatment," she said.
"Patients need ongoing support for complex conditions like ADHD. If implemented well, this initiative will be a big step forward for Western Australians.
"ADHD is estimated to cost Australians $20 billion every year. That includes both direct health costs and more abstract factors like its impacts on productivity, but we can't lose sight of the human side. It's stressful to manage a complex condition and it is important for patients to have all the support around them.
"Patients deserve ongoing access to care through their specialist GP, who knows them and their history. This proposal can enable that for people living with ADHD.
Dr Raman reiterated calls for all political parties to back the RACGP's plan for accessible and affordable GP care, which will benefit patients with complex conditions like ADHD.
Modelling commissioned by the College shows boosting Medicare rebates for consultations longer than 20 minutes by 40% will halve out-of-pocket-costs, saving patients $268 million annually and improving access to treatment for complex conditions.
"General practice must be well funded to be effective – for the upcoming federal election, we're calling on all parties to commit to significant investment in Medicare, including boosting funding for long consults," Dr Raman said.
"Patients living with ADHD, especially those who are considering an assessment, identified enormous hurdles in the previous Senate inquiry.
"Other governments and parties across our states and territories should be taking notes and talking to their GPs."
With long wait lists and costs creating barriers to potentially lifechanging treatment for ADHD – and unneeded stress for patients – the RACGP has previously:
- Welcomed federal government support for consistent prescribing rules in Australia
- Supported the recommendations of a Senate inquiry to enable timely treatment
- Called on NSW and other state governments to prioritise reforms to improve access to support and treatment.
