Glorified referrers? Govt review of Better Access backs GP care plans
The report to the government ignored calls by psychologists to cut GPs out
The Federal Government’s review of the Better Access initiative has backed the central role of the GP in writing mental health care plans, saying the evidence shows the scheme is improving patient outcomes.
It follows a long-running debate on the importance of the plans, with psychiatrist Professor Ian Hickie describing GPs in a 2011 Medical Journal of Australia article as little more than “glorified referrers”.
