Here’s an update on a few of the issues AMA Victoria is working on for members, including:

• Changes to private inpatient admitting arrangements in health service

• Inclusion of emergency contraception and MS-2 Step in the PBS prescriber bag

• AMA Council of Rural Doctors delegate – expressions of interest sought

 

Changes to private inpatient admitting arrangements in health services

AMA Victoria is aware that at least one metropolitan health service is making changes to private inpatient admissions, set to take effect next week.

We understand that this health service will no longer allow inpatients to utilise their private health insurance for admitted services — except those covered by DVA, TAC, or WorkCover—and will reassess this approach at the end of this financial year. This decision appears to be driven by current funding settings which may now make it financially preferable for hospitals to cease admitting patients under private health insurers such as Medibank Private, BUPA, and AHSA.

AMA Victoria appreciates that these changes may have implications for VMOs and other senior medical staff whose earnings are influenced by privately insured patient admissions within public hospitals.

If your health service is implementing similar changes, or if this decision is affecting you, please contact our team at [email protected] to share your concerns or provide further details. It may also impact patient choice.

We will continue to monitor this issue closely and advocate on behalf of our members.

 

Inclusion of emergency contraception and MS-2 Step in the PBS prescriber bag

AMA Victoria has written to the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care in support of including emergency contraception and MS-2 Step (mifepristone and misoprostol) in the PBS prescriber bag as part of the Australian Government’s PBS post-market review. This follows our earlier Victorian advocacy on expanding doctors’ bags to improve timely access to essential treatments, particularly in rural and regional areas.

Access to these medications remains inconsistent, particularly outside metropolitan areas. Many rural and regional communities have limited pharmacy availability, and some pharmacies do not stock these medications due to supply or logistical challenges. Allowing prescribers to directly dispense them would help address these barriers and improve timely access to care.

Beyond access, this measure would also help reduce avoidable hospital admissions and presentations. Delays in obtaining emergency contraception increase the likelihood of unintended pregnancies, while difficulty accessing MS-2 Step can lead to more complex and resource-intensive care. Ensuring prescribers can provide these medications at no charge when needed would support early intervention and ease pressure on the healthcare system.

Women, particularly in rural and regional communities, are disproportionately affected by barriers to reproductive healthcare. The inconsistent availability of MS-2 Step in pharmacies limits their ability to make timely healthcare decisions. Including these medications in the PBS prescriber bag is a practical step toward improving access and equity, ensuring all women receive the care they need, regardless of location.

AMA Victoria is committed to advocating for practical improvements in medicine access and supporting reforms that enhance equitable healthcare.

 

AMA Council of Rural Doctors delegate – expressions of interest sought

AMA Victoria is seeking expressions of interest from members for a delegate position on the AMA Council of Rural Doctors (CRD). This role provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to advocating for and improving healthcare in regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia.

The CRD brings together GPs, rural generalists, and non-GP specialists to address key issues, develop policy positions, and drive strategies to support the rural medical workforce.

We currently have two delegate positions available, with one already filled. The remaining position is open to doctors – whether general practitioners or specialists – who meet the CRD’s definition of a rural doctor. This includes medical practitioners working in areas classified as regional, rural, or remote by any recognised Australian Government Rural Classification System (excluding Hobart), or those with relevant experience in regional, rural, or remote practice.

If you're interested in becoming involved in this important work, please contact Senior Policy Adviser, Lewis Horton, at [email protected] for more information or to express your interest.