Aged Care Access Initiative
Overview
The Aged Care Access Initiative (ACAI) commenced in July 2008 and has 2 components: GP incentive payments for managing residents in aged care homes; and funding for the provision of allied health services for residents. ACAI replaces the Aged Care GP Panels Program.
GP Incentive Payments
Under the practice incentive payment for aged care, payments are made to the GP who provided the service rather than to the practice. Payments are two-tiered and are linked to GP claims for any item specifically related to service provision in an aged care facility – this includes MBS items 20, 35, 43, 51, 92, 93, 95, 96, 701, 703, 705, 707, 731, 735, 739, 743, 747, 750, 758, 903, 5010, 5028, 5049, 5067, 5260, 5263, 5265, 5267. The payments are triggered automatically. The first is $1,000 when 60 services are claimed and the second of $1,500.00 when 140 services are claimed. The PIP is capped at $2,500 a year.
Allied Health Services
Under the ACAI, divisions have funding to provide allied health services to residents of aged care homes. ACAI funded services are to provide clinical care for residents over and above services already received under the current funding at the aged care home. ACAI services include rehabilitation, management of complex conditions and other additional allied health interventions.
ACAI Service provided by North East Victorian Division of General Practice
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The aim of the ACAIis to improve access to primary care (GP and allied health services) for residents of aged care facilities
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To provide clinical care by Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) in RACFs on an individual or a group basis, where these services are not currently covered by Medicare or other government funding arrangements. Individual services may include one-on-one services such as podiatry or physiotherapy.
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Individual allied health services may also include participation in case conferencing and care planning. Group services might include group psychology sessions, group exercise and falls prevention programs provided these are conducted by qualified allied health professionals.
The meet these aims the Division has a joint project with NE Health Aged Care Psychiatric Unit for the purpose of implementing the ACAI in conjunction with the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS) into Residential Aged Care facilities in the Hume region.
The project includes the employment of a Mental Health credentialed Occupational Therapist working with residents of aged care facilities who are exhibiting behavioural disturbances.
The project work includes:
- Direct face to face client functional assessments
- Planned therapeutic (non-medical) interventions
- Contribution to care planning and
- Education.
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