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Evidence-based medicine

Australian Medical Association Advocates for Improved Menopause and Perimenopause Care

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is pushing for better menopause and perimenopause care through improved Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) rebates, increased support for referral pathways, and enhanced education and resources for medical professionals. AMA President Dr. Danielle McMullen wrote to the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, to emphasize the importance of addressing the structural and financial barriers to accessing evidence-based care. The AMA's submission to the Community Affairs References Committee Inquiry was included in the Senate Inquiry report, highlighting the need for prolonged appointments, MBS rebates for longer consultations, and multidisciplinary input for women with complex menopause needs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The AMA is advocating for improved menopause and perimenopause care through increased MBS rebates for longer consultations.
  • Dr. Danielle McMullen wrote to Minister Mark Butler to emphasize the importance of addressing structural and financial barriers to accessing evidence-based care.
  • Perimenopause and menopause care requires prolonged appointments due to variability and complexity.
  • Women with complex menopause needs require multidisciplinary input from specialists such as gynaecologists, psychiatrists, and oncologists.
  • The AMA is calling for increased support for referral pathways and improved education and resources for medical professionals.
  • There is a need for more information on the experience of menopause in target populations, including culturally and linguistically diverse women, First Nations women, and women with a disability.

Statistics:

  • The majority of perimenopause and menopause care occurs in general practice.
  • Women require prolonged appointments for perimenopause and menopause care due to variability and complexity, often lasting over 30 minutes.
  • MBS rebates for longer consultations are inadequate, leading to financial barriers for women seeking care.
  • There are shortages of MHT medicines and limited PBS access for recommended therapies.
  • Women from culturally diverse backgrounds and women with a disability experience significant barriers in accessing menopause care.

Sources:

  • Australian Medical Association
  • Report from the Community Affairs References Committee Inquiry into Menopause and Perimenopause
  • Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

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