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Remunerating private psychiatrists for participating in case conferences
Jane E Pirkis1, Alan N Headey, Philip M Burgess
1School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. j.pirkis@unimelb.edu.au
Australia and New Zealand Health Policy
|December 20, 2005
Summary
Medicare case conferencing item numbers show potential but low uptake. Psychiatrists are positive but unaware, suggesting minor changes could improve utilization and patient care.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Medical Economics
Background:
- New Medicare item numbers for physician case conferences were introduced in 2000 and 2002.
- These numbers were intended to facilitate multidisciplinary care coordination, including by psychiatrists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the uptake and impact of new Medicare case conferencing item numbers.
- To assess psychiatrists' and consumers' perceptions of these item numbers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Medicare Benefits Schedule item number utilization data.
- Qualitative assessment of psychiatrist and consumer feedback.
Main Results:
- Uptake of item numbers was low to moderate, with 89 psychiatrists conducting 479 conferences.
- Psychiatrists using the numbers were generally positive, as were consumers.
- Lack of awareness, not opposition, was the primary barrier for non-users.
Conclusions:
- The case conferencing item numbers have unrealized potential for improving care quality.
- Minor adjustments to item number conditions could significantly enhance their adoption and effectiveness.