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Evidence-based medicine

Australian Medical Association Calls for Improved Menopause Care in General Practice

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is advocating for better menopause care in general practice, citing structural and financial barriers to accessing evidence-based care. According to Dr. McMullen, the vast majority of menopause care occurs in general practice, but longer consultations are often required to manage symptoms, and rebates for these consultations are inadequate. The AMA is calling for improved MBS rebates for long consultations and increased support for referral pathways for women with complex menopause cases.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Australian Medical Association is advocating for improved menopause care in general practice, citing structural and financial barriers to accessing evidence-based care.
  • Dr. McMullen outlined the need to address MBS rebates for longer consultations, which she argues will improve the gender inequity inherent in the MBS and improve access to longer consultations for issues like perimenopause/menopause.
  • The AMA is calling for more support for referral pathways for women who have complexity to their menopause, such as comorbid conditions or ineffective first-line therapy.
  • Dr. McMullen highlighted the need for more information on the experience of menopause in target populations, including culturally and linguistically diverse women, First Nations women, LGBTQIA+ population and women with a disability.
  • The AMA is also calling for access to CPD and education on assessing and managing menopause in relevant specialty training programs, as well as improved access to medicines and PBS entitlements for recommended therapies.

Statistics:

  • The vast majority of menopause care occurs in general practice (AMA).
  • 80-90% of women experience menopause symptoms, with 1 in 10 experiencing severe symptoms (Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics).
  • The cost of menopause-related healthcare in Australia is estimated to be $1.1 billion per year (Source: Australian Menopause Society).
  • The AMA is calling for action to address the shortage of MHT medicines, citing a shortage of millions of tablets (Source: Australian Medical Association).

Sources:

  • "AMA calls for action to improve menopause care in general practice". Australian Medical Association.
  • Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2020.
  • Australian Menopause Society. "The Cost of Menopause in Australia". 2020.

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