Doctors call for immediate action on diabetes glucose monitoring

MedTech News: On 1 July 2022, access to subsidised continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and Flash GM products for patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) was expanded via the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) extending to Dexcom products (AMSL), Medtronic products and FreeStyle Libre products (Abbott Diabetes Care).

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has called for GPs to be allowed to approve access to subsidised glucose monitors for their patients.

In a letter to Penny Shakespeare, Deputy Secretary Health Resourcing, Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, the RACGP has strongly urged the Government to recognise that managing patients with type 1 diabetes within a specialist team is well within the scope of GPs across Australia.

RACGP President Adj. Professor Karen Price called for common sense to prevail.

“It is nonsensical that GPs can’t approve glucose monitors,” she said.

“The situation is that to apply for a subsidised continuous glucose monitoring product, the patient must fill out a form. This completed form must be certified by an authorised health professional whose usual scope of practice includes the ongoing management and care of people with type 1 diabetes.

“The NDSS outlines that health professionals authorised to certify continuous and flash glucose monitoring access forms are those for whom diabetes is the main scope of their practice. The access form and FAQs specify that ‘NDSS cannot approve forms that have been certified by GPs’ and that ‘this is an Australian Government policy decision’.”

The Department of Health and Aged Care stated that the decision, to exclude GPs from the authorised certifier group, has been based on expert advice from the Australian Diabetes Society and the Australian Diabetes Educators Association.

The RACGP is disappointed that they were not consulted and is calling for immediate action.

“So, clearly this policy decision needs to be reviewed and rectified right away. The RACGP calls on the Government to reconsider and recognise that managing patients with diabetes within a specialist team falls squarely within the job description of GPs,” she said.

“There is no logical explanation for why other members of a healthcare team are able to sign a form approving this device, but hardworking GPs are excluded. Not only is it insulting to GPs, it creates an unnecessary barrier to patient access for something that could make a real difference in managing their health. The status quo is particularly disadvantageous for patients in rural and remote areas who rely more on their GP for overall healthcare needs. Telehealth and electronic form transmission may be helpful for some but Medicare rebates for longer phone consultations were removed at the start of this month – something else we are trying to fix.

“GPs are there for our patients managing their diabetes, and the Government needs to be there for us. Let’s chart a new course on approving glucose monitors and ensure that the role of general practice is always kept front of mind.”

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