Closing the Gap is a national agreement between Australian governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations to reduce inequality in life expectancy, child health, education, employment and other outcomes. A life expectancy gap of around 8-9 years remains.
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) are primary care services run by and for the local community. They provide culturally safe, holistic care (medical, dental, social and emotional wellbeing, transport) and are represented nationally by NACCHO.
Practical supports you should know:
- Closing the Gap PBS Co-payment Program: reduces or removes PBS co-payments for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.
- Medicare item 715 health assessments and follow-up allied health items.
- Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners, some of whom can perform clinical tasks and prescribe under specific arrangements.
In the AMC, a good management plan for an Aboriginal patient almost always includes involving the local ACCHS or an Aboriginal Health Worker, family involvement, and practical barriers like transport and cost.