Table 2 Summary of literature that led to policies being identified to improve Indigenous Peoples access to primary care through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

33 Creative. 2019 [29]

715 health check—Cairns video case study

To outline the potential benefits of the annual Health Check for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

The 715 is a useful tool for gauging issues in the local community; proactively engaging with the Indigenous community can encourage uptake of the health check

MBS 715

Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia. 2014 [30]

Medicare item numbers for AHPs, AHWs, PNs and MWs

To provide a list of Medicare Item numbers for Aboriginal Health Practitioners, Aboriginal Health Workers, Practice nurses and Midwives

A table providing the items numbers is provided and what must be undertaken to meet the requirements to claim the item

MBS items

Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia. 2016 [31]

MBS flow chart for chronic disease: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

To provide a resource for ACCHS for what MBS items can be claimed for adults with or at risk of chronic disease

A flowchart outlines which MBS items can be claimed by GPs for Indigenous patients following an adult health check

MBS 715

Adams K, et al. 2014 [32]

Mental health and Victorian Aboriginal people: What can data mining tell us?

To improve understanding about Victorian Aboriginal people and mental health service patterns by examining four mental health administrative datasets

Improved analyses are needed to better understand, prevent and manage mental health problems in this group

MBS 81325,

MBS 81355

Angeles MR, et al. 2023 [33]

Challenges for Medicare and universal health care in Australia since 2000

To identify the financing and policy challenges for Medicare as well as opportunities for whole-of-system strengthening

Piecemeal reforms of the past 20 years have been inadequate; more effective, coordinated approaches are needed

ACCHS,

CTG PBS scripts

Australian Government Depart. Health. 2019 [34]

Your health is in your hands: 715 health check

To provide information about the 715 health check for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

The resource package includes brochures, posters, an animated video, video case studies, images for promotion via social media, and podcasts

MBS 715

Australian Government Depart. Health. 2020 [35]

Voluntary Indigenous identifier (VII) framework: a framework for the collection release use and publication of VII data: draft for consultation

To provide a set of guidelines outlining how Indigenous-status data are collected and used in the MVII database

The guidelines set out the legal and ethical obligations for data users, provides information about the quality of VII data, and estimates of Medicare data produced

MVII

Australian Government Depart. Health. 2021 [36]

Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Closing the Gap Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme co-payment program changes

To provide information to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on changes to the CTG PBS scheme

Information on eligibility and how to access medicines through the CTG PBS scheme is provided

CTG PBS scripts

Australian Government Depart. Health. 2021 [37]

Information for prescribers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners and their peak bodies: Closing the Gap Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme co-payment program changes

To provide information to CTG PBS scheme in effect from Thursday 1 July 2021

Changes to the CTG PBS scheme effective from July 2021 are outlined

CTG PBS scripts

Australian Government Depart. Health. 2022 [38]

Annual health checks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

To provide culturally appropriate information to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on annual health checks

Information on where to get a free annual health check and what happens during the assessment is provided

MBS 715

Australian Government Depart. Health and Ageing. 2013 [39]

MBS health assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (MBS Item 715)

To provide information on the need for the MBS 715 health assessment

Information is provided patient and practitioner eligibility, and components of the MBS 715 health assessment.

MBS 715

Australian Government Depart. Health and Aged Care. 2023 [40]

Changes to the Practice Incentives Program—Indigenous Health Incentive

To provide a resource for general practices and ACCHS in the changes to the PIP IHI

Information on the expected changes, and a table outlining payments for eligible health services under the PIP IHI

PIP IHI

Australian Government Depart. Human Services. 2016 [41]

Remote Area Aboriginal Health Services (RAAHS or AHS) and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

To introduce how Remote Area Aboriginal Health Services can supply eligible PBS medicines for free

PBS medicines scheme is explained; instructions for ordering and claims processes for approved Remote Area Aboriginal Health Services provided

s100

Australian Government Depart. Human Services. 2016 [42]

Education guide—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments and follow-up services

To provide information to health professionals and GPs on health assessments and follow up services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients

Information provided on MBS 715, including eligibility, how to complete health assessment and follow-up services, and reporting requirements

MBS 715

Australian Government Depart. Human Services. 2016 [43]

Education guide—Chronic Disease Management services to support Indigenous health

To provide information on MBS items to GPs to plan and coordinate health care for patients with chronic or terminal conditions

Information about MBS chronic disease management items provided, and claiming restrictions; information on PIP IHI and CTG PBS

MBS items,

PIP IHI,

CTG PBS scripts

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2017 [44]

Indigenous health check (MBS 715) data tool

To provide an online dynamic data display for the uptake of health assessments

Provides MBS 715 uptake rates, and enables comparisons of both rates and numbers over time

MBS 715

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2019 [45]

Regional variation in uptake of Indigenous health checks and in preventable hospitalisations and deaths

To compare potentially preventable hospitalisations and potentially avoidable deaths by variation in uptake of Indigenous-specific health checks

Areas with large Indigenous populations tend to have high rates of potentially preventable hospitalisations and potentially avoidable deaths and high uptake rates of Indigenous health checks

MBS 715

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2020 [46]

Medicare-subsidised GP, allied health and specialist health care across local areas: 2013–14 to 2018–19

To examine data on the use of non-hospital Medicare-subsidised services across local areas

There was growth in Medicare-subsidised service use between 2013–14 and 2018–19 depending on service use and where people live

MBS items

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2022 [47]

Medicare-subsidised GP, allied health and specialist health care across local areas: 2021–22

To examine data on the use of non-hospital Medicare-subsidised services across local areas in 2021–22

Usage varies depending on where a person lives in Australia; on average, people in metropolitan areas who did see a GP received more services

MBS items

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2024 [48]

Health checks and follow-ups for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people [web report]

To report the latest data on health assessments and the use of MBS items for chronic disease management among health check patients

Data on health assessment and the use of MBS items for chronic disease management are presented

MBS 715,

MBS 10987

Bailie J, et al. 2014 [49]

Follow-up of Indigenous-specific health assessments—a socioecological analysis

To describe uptake of Indigenous-specific health assessments over the first 3 years of the Indigenous Chronic Disease Package

Although there was an increase in the uptake of health assessments, delivery and billing of Indigenous-specific follow-up items was relatively limited

MBS 715,

MBS 10987,

MBS 81300–81360

Bailie J, et al. 2015 [50]

Determinants of access to chronic illness care: a mixed-methods evaluation of a national multifaceted chronic disease package for Indigenous Australians

To examine how a prevention and management of chronic disease program among Indigenous people addressed various dimensions of access

Strategies to improve access to chronic care for Indigenous Australians need to be tailored to local circumstances and address the range of dimensions of access on both the demand and supply sides

ACCT

Bailie J, et al. 2017 [51]

Improving preventive health care in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary care settings

To use clinical audit data to create a framework for strategies in the delivery of recommended preventive chronic disease care

The framework should be useful for guiding development and implementation of barrier-driven, multi-level, tailored interventions for primary health care service delivery and policy contexts

MBS 715

Bartlett B & Boffa J. 2005 [52]

The impact of Aboriginal community controlled health service advocacy on Aboriginal health policy

To review the advocacy role of ACCHS in the development of Aboriginal health policy over 30 years

ACCHS’ advocacy role has been crucial to developing appropriate strategies to address Aboriginal health disadvantage. ACCHS’ are grossly under resourced compared to government partners

ACCHS

Bates N, et al. 2018 [53]

CancerCostMod: a model of the healthcare expenditure, patient resource use, and patient co-payment costs for Australian cancer patients

To describe the development of the CancerCostMod model of health service use

The distribution of cancer healthcare and individual costs by Indigenous status, rurality, and socioeconomic status are provided

CTG PBS scripts

Beks H, et al. 2022 [54]

Opportunities for further changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule to support Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations

To discuss the need for further MBS reforms to support ACCHS in delivering culturally appropriate and responsive primary healthcare services after COVID-19

It is important for the Australian Government to work closely with the ACCHS sector to develop further changes to the MBS funding model that resonates with cultural ways of working

ACCHS

Beks H, et al. 2023 [55]

Implementation of telehealth primary health care services in a rural Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisation during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study

To evaluate the implementation of telehealth primary healthcare services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by a rural ACCHS during COVID-19

Telehealth maintained the delivery of ACCHO services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients during COVID-19

Aboriginal-specific telehealth MBS items

Bradshaw S, et al. 2015 [56]

Promoting the uptake of preventative Aboriginal child health policy in Western Australia

To discuss preventative child health service delivery to Aboriginal children in Western Australia

The importance of understanding local populations, service provision, and the cultural aspects of care were identified

MBS 715

Brickley B, et al. 2023 [57]

Enhancing person-centred care and access to primary care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

To explore the research on person-centred care during the pandemic, with a focus on care delivered by GPs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Long primary care consultations must be appropriately funded through modifications to MBS items

Aboriginal-specific telehealth MBS items

Brown S. 2018 [58]

Remote possibilities: from a Pintupi dream to Medicare funding

To discuss the benefits of the introduction of the MBS item for dialysis treatment in a remote ACCHS

The new MBS item number allows provision of government-funded kidney dialysis, and frees the ACCHS from having to fund raise to do the same

MBS items, PBS items,

CTG PBS scripts

Butler DC, et al. 2022 [59]

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health checks: sociodemographic characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors

To quantify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health check claims in Australian adults by SES and health characteristics

Those with the greatest healthcare need and at highest risk of cardiovascular disease were more likely to receive a health check; a significant proportion of patients had not had a health check yet

MBS 715

Campbell M, et al. 2017 [60]

Contribution of Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Services to improving Aboriginal health: an evidence review

To collate and analyse the published evidence supporting the contribution of ACCHS to improving the health of Aboriginal people

The full range of pathways ACCHS’ contribute to improving Aboriginal health should be considered when making resource allocation decisions

ACCHS

Central Queensland Wide Bay Sunshine Coast Primary Health Network. 2017 [61]

715 health check

To provide information about the 715 health check for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Information on what a 715 health check is, what happens during and after the check, and information for doctors

MBS 715

Commonwealth of Australia. 2011 [62]

Evaluation of the Child Health Check Initiative and the Expanding Health Service Delivery Initiative

To present the findings and recommendations of the evaluation of the Indigenous health programs Child Health Check Initiative and the Expanding Health Services Delivery Initiative

The Child Health Check Initiative program achieved some successes, however, its overall impact was dulled by the way it interacted with communities and the existing health care system. The Expanding Health Services Delivery Initiative was successful

MBS 708

Couch D, et al. 2021 [63]

The impact of telehealth on patient attendance and revenue within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation during COVID-19

To examine the impact of telehealth on patient attendance and revenue within ACCHS during COVID-19

The provision of telehealth services increased the number of people able to access the medical clinic, which had a positive financial impact for the organisation

Telehealth Aboriginal health assessment

Couzos S. 2005 [64]

PBS medications: Improving access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

To explore the barriers to accessing PBS medications for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the s100 access scheme

Introduction of the s100 has been highly successful in increasing medicines access in remote ACCHS. The program needs to be extended to rural and urban ACCHS

s100

Couzos S, et al. 2011 [65]

Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's access to medicines-the QUMAX program

To outline the success of the QUMAX program in increasing the number of PBS medicines dispensed to patients in non-remote ACCHSs

Although it is unclear whether the QUMAX program has alleviated the PBS expenditure inequities, it has helped overcome the financial barrier to accessing PBS medicines in non-remote areas

QUMAX

Couzos S & Thiele DD. 2010 [22]

The new "Indigenous health" incentive payment: Issues and challenges

To identify some of the contentious issues surrounding the implementation and evaluation of the new PIP IHI

Funding for the new incentive will be channelled largely through general practices and outcomes must be carefully measured

PIP IHI,

MBS 715

Davidson PM, et al. 2010 [66]

Improving medication uptake in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

To identify factors impacting on medication adherence in Aboriginal Australians and identify solutions to improve the quality use of medicines

Initiatives such as QUMAX, and improving communication across health care professionals and health care jurisdictions are important strategies to promote medication adherence

QUMAX

Davis B & Gordon S 2018 [67]

A new culturally informed and innovative commissioning approach to boost access and primary health care performance for Indigenous communities of rural and remote New South Wales and Queensland

To examine whether a new commissioning approach is addressing Indigenous chronic disease health disparities

Cultural competence in clinical practice was strengthened resulting in significant innovation, efficiency and demonstrated patient and system benefits

Brokerage model

Digiacomo M, et al. 2010 [68]

Facilitating uptake of Aboriginal adult health checks through community engagement and health promotion

To address the process issues and outcomes of a two-day screening and assessment programme to increase the uptake of adult health checks at an ACCHS

Undertaking screening in a culturally sensitive framework and within a interdisciplinary team increased acceptability of implementing the health checks

MBS 715

Donato R & Segal L. 2013 [69]

Does Australia have the appropriate health reform agenda to close the gap in Indigenous health?

To assess whether the Closing the Gap strategy will be successful in addressing Indigenous disadvantage

Health inequality is unlikely to be achieved without core structural changes that include community engagement and ownership in program success in Aboriginal health, and are underpinned by a comprehensive funding system

ACCHS

Dwyer J, et al. 2004 [9]

National strategies for improving Indigenous health and health care

Volume 1 of a Review of the Australian Government’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Program

The paper contains proposals for expansion of primary health care for Indigenous Australians

MBS 715,

MBS items

Fisher M, et al. 2017 [70]

Are changes in Australian national primary healthcare policy likely to promote or impede equity of access? A narrative review

To identify recent changes in national primary healthcare policy and assess implications for equitable access

Medicare supports equitable access to general practice, but there is a risk of reduced equity access arising from four areas of change

ACCHS

Fredericks B, et al

2011 [71]

Aboriginal community control and decolonizing health policy: a yarn from Australia

To provide an overview of Aboriginal history since 1788 and an account of the current health of Aboriginal people in Victoria

The role of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation to support and advocate for improved health policy is highlighted

ACCHS

Gippsland PHN. 2017 [72]

My '715 health check' journey

To provide information about the 715 health check for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

The 'journey' of the 715 health check is described, from when patients ask their doctors about the check, to follow-up care

MBS 715

Gorham G, et al. 2018 [73]

Interesting times' evolution of dialysis in Australia's Northern Territory (1980–2014)

To provide a brief history of the development of dialysis services in the NT and how unique models of dialysis care have emerged

The provision of unique models of dialysis care has expanded considerably over the past 15 years; most are still provided by the Northern Territory Government

MBS 13105

Hayman N. 2010 [74]

Strategies to improve indigenous access for urban and regional populations to health services

To analyse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Adult Health Check data for patients aged 15–54 years to identify cardiovascular risk

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will access mainstream primary health care services if community consultation and participation is properly undertaken

MBS 715

Hayman N. 2011 [75]

Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's access to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

To examine the accessibility of PBS drugs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

The Indigenous Chronic Disease Package will reduce the cost of prescriptions for patients with chronic disease

PBS items,

PIP IHI

Henderson J, et al. 2018 [76]

Commissioning and equity in primary care in Australia: Views from Primary Health Networks

To explore Primary Health Networks how population health planning primary health organisations impact service access and equity

Health data facilitates service access by redistributing services on the basis of need; service delivery was seen as fragmented; the model is at odds with how ACCHS’ operate

ACCHS

Kehoe H & Lovett RW. 2008 [18]

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments: barriers to improving uptake

To explore the reasons for low uptake of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders health assessments in mainstream general practice in the Australian Capital Territory

Barriers include low levels of Indigenous status identification and Indigenous-specific preventive health interventions

MBS 715

Kelaher M, et al. 2004 [77]

Evaluation of PBS medicine supply arrangements for remote area Aboriginal health services under S100 of the National Health Act

To examine the performance of the s100 in terms of its aims

The s100 benefitted more than one-third of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population and increased PBS expenditure, indicating increased access to medicine

s100

Kelaher M, et al. 2005 [78]

Comparison of the uptake of health assessment items for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians: implications for policy

To determine whether there are disparities in uptake of health assessments items for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people compared to other Australians

Further engagement of primary care providers and the community is required to ensure that the significant disparity in the uptake of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments is addressed

MBS 715

Kelaher M, et al. 2006 [79]

Improving access to medicines among clients of remote area Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services

To report on the effectiveness of a program to supply PBS medicines to remote ACCHS under Sect. 100

The program benefitted over one-third of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population and improved access to medicines

s100

Kelaher M, et al. 2014 [80]

Does more equitable governance lead to more equitable health care? A case study based on the implementation of health reform in Aboriginal health Australia

To examine the impact of ACCHS on the uptake of health assessments

Stronger links between ACCHs and mainstream organisations were associated with improvements in the uptake of health assessments; incorporation of ACCHS in regional planning plays an important role in improving health equity

MBS 715,

ACCHS

Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services. 2020 [81]

GP MBS items 2020

To outline the MBS items that GPs can claim for face-to-face and COVID-19 telehealth consultations

A list of relevant MBS items and the associated fees is provided

MBS items

KPMG. 2014 [82]

National monitoring and evaluation of the Indigenous Chronic Disease Package: final report

To evaluate the Indigenous Chronic Disease Package

The ICDP has improved the capacity, capability and responsiveness of the primary health care service system to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

MBS items

Lloyd JE, et al. 2008 [83]

Changing shape: workforce and the implementation of Aboriginal health policy

To examine the implementation of the Northern Territory Preventable Chronic Disease Strategy and the role of the health workforce in Aboriginal health policy

There is a need to restructure organisations to give AHWs greater power in determining policy implementation priorities and to invest in professional development for the same

ACCHS,

AHW

Mayers NR & Couzos S. 2004 [84]

Towards health equity through an adult health check for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Editorial discussing the challenges with GPs performing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adult health check due to the Medicare rebate

A range of supportive activities were listed that could encourage GPs to change practice to maximise the uptake of adult health checks for Indigenous Australians

MBS 710,

MBS 715

McAullay D, et al. 2016 [85]

Improving access to primary care for Aboriginal babies in Western Australia: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

A study protocol for a randomised controlled trial to improve primary care to Aboriginal infants

The trial is both region- and population-based, is likely to be cost effective and sustainable, and improve health outcomes for Indigenous mothers and infants

ACCHS

Mitchell S, et al. 2020 [86]

Culturally safe and sustainable solution for Closing the Gap-registered patients discharging from a tertiary public hospital

To describe the development, implementation and review of a hospital-funded discharge medicine subsidy for patients registered with the Closing the Gap program

A culturally sensitive, site-specific and state-funded model of care was found to be sustainable

CTG PBS scripts,

MBS 715

Nolan-Isles D, et al. 2021 [87]

Enablers and barriers to accessing healthcare services for Aboriginal people in New South Wales, Australia

To investigate barriers and enablers to accessing healthcare services for Aboriginal people living in regional and remote Australia

Six themes were important to include in efforts to progress better access to healthcare services, with consideration of geographical and local contextual factors

CTG PBS Scripts

Ong K, et al. 2009 [88]

A cost-based equity weight for use in the economic evaluation of primary health care interventions: case study of the Australian Indigenous population

To propose an alternative cost-based equity weight for use in the economic evaluation of primary health care services interventions

The proposed cost-based weighting mechanism encourages equity concerns to be considered in a consistent, explicit and transparent manner

ACCHS

Panaretto KS, et al. 2014 [89]

Aboriginal community controlled health services: leading the way in primary care

To determine what is known about ACCHS and why support should be both continued and enhanced

Funding support is required for existing and new ACCHS; mainstream primary health care providers should partner with ACCHS to monitor performance across both sectors

ACCHS,

AHW,

MBS 715

Peiris D, et al. 2012 [90]

Building better systems of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: findings from the Kanyini health systems assessment

To inform and explore ACCHS staff views on factors needed to improve the prevention and management of chronic diseases

The frameworks of Kanyini were found to be useful theoretical foundations for providing a policy framework for enhancing ACCHS sector contribution to health improvement

MBS items

Pettit S, et al. 2019 [91]

Holistic primary health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners: exploring the role of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations

To explore the experiences of ACCHS staff in primary health care to individuals inside or leaving prison with the view to how to strengthen the role they play

A holistic model of care including access to certain Medicare items, and consistent access to prisoners could strengthen ACCHS’ primary health care role to people inside or leaving prison

ACCHS

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. 2016 [92]

Closing the Gap (CTG) Indigenous chronic disease package PBS co-payment measure: pharmacy staff resource booklet

To provide pharmacy staff with information about the CTG PBS Scheme

Information includes eligibility criteria, how the scheme works, and how to dispense CTG prescriptions provided

CTG PBS scripts

Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council. 2021 [93]

QAIHC submission to the Australian Government Department of Health: Aboriginal health services Quality Use of Medicines and pharmacy support—discussion paper

Discussion paper on the Aboriginal Health Services Quality Use of Medicines Program

The redesign process should consider retaining and refining the majority of the programs’ components that have been proven to successfully rather than trialling new components

QUMAX,

s100

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. 2018 [94]

Five steps towards excellent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare

To provide GPs practical advice on working towards the delivery of excellent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare

A five step practical guide is outlined about performing a health check, and registering patients for PIP IHI and CTG PBS scripts

MBS 715,

CTG PBS scripts,

PIP IHI

Reifels L, et al. 2015 [95]

Improving access to primary mental healthcare for Indigenous Australians

To examine the uptake, reach and outcomes of primary mental healthcare services provided to Indigenous Australians via the Access to Allied Psychological Services program

Service volume more than doubled between 2010–2012 indicating that enhancing mainstream primary mental healthcare programs can result in significant mental healthcare access

MBS items

Robinson G, et al. 2003 [96]

Aboriginal participation in health service delivery: coordinated care trials in the Northern Territory of Australia

To describe the impact on access from the reorientation of a remote primary health-care service in the Kimberley region of Australia

The ACCHS-government hospital-population health unit partnership enabled provision of a sustainable, prevention-focussed service in a very remote and socially disadvantaged area

ACCT

Rosewarne C

& Boffa J. 2004 [97]

An analysis of the Primary Health Care Access Program in the Northern Territory: A major Aboriginal health policy reform

To describe the development of and lessons learned in implementing PHCAP in the Northern Territory

The basic funding model within PHCAP—is the best possible way to fund comprehensive PHC at the present time

PHCAP,

ACCHS,

s100

Saxby K, et al. 2023 [98]

Does affirmative action reduce disparities in healthcare use by Indigenous peoples? Evidence from Australia's Indigenous Practice Incentives Program

To determine whether the PIP IHI improved chronic disease healthcare

The PIP IHI significantly increased primary healthcare use, reduced specialist services; the largest increase in primary healthcare observed in major cities

PIP IHI

Schmidt B, et al. 2016 [99]

Community health workers as chronic care coordinators: evaluation of an Australian Indigenous primary health care program

To explore how a client-centred Chronic Care model was implemented by IHW at participating sites in a trial of IHW-led case management

IHWs alone are insufficient to improve chronic disease outcomes; issues affecting IHWs' capacity to implement the model must first be addressed

AHW

Schutze H, et al. 2016 [21]

The uptake of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments fails to improve in some areas

To explore why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Assessment uptake remains low in some metropolitan general practices

Barriers included low rates of Indigenous status identification, lack of knowledge of MBS item numbers, lack of organisational teamwork, and avoidance of billing specific MBS item numbers

MBS 715

Schütze H, et al. 2017 [20]

What factors contribute to the continued low rates of Indigenous status identification in urban general practice?—A mixed-methods multiple site case study

To explore the barriers to Indigenous status identification in urban general practice

Entrenched attitudes and beliefs of GPs and staff need to be addressed, as well as limitations to practice software capabilities

MVII,

PIP IHI

Senior T. 2021 [100]

A dilemma

Opinion piece on the Indigenous adult health checks

The only way the health checks work is with good follow-up of problems identified during the assessments

MBS 715

Services Australia. 2020 [101]

Your guide to Medicare for Indigenous health services

To provide basic information about Medicare Indigenous health services

Available Medicare-funded Indigenous health services are provided, and a list of contacts and useful references

PIP IHI,

MBS items,

CTG PBS scripts

Services Australia. 2023 [102]

Closing the Gap PBS co-payment for health professionals

To provide GPs and health professionals information on the CTG PBS scheme

Patient registration, prescribing, dispensing and claiming pharmaceutical items under the scheme are explained

CTG PBS scripts

Si D, et al. 2008 [103]

Describing and analysing primary health care system support for chronic illness care in Indigenous communities in Australia's Northern Territory—Use of the Chronic Care Model

To understand how Indigenous primary care systems are organised to deliver chronic illness care and how this will inform efforts to improve the quality of care

Translating the Chronic Care Model into practical application proved to be useful in understanding the quality of primary care systems for prevention and management of chronic illness

ACCT

Siripol S. 2018 [104]

Health service delivery and health outcomes of at-risk populations

To explore the performance of health organisations providing health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and uptake of health assessments

Fifteen opportunities to strengthen service delivery were identified. There was no associations between cultural safety policies and health assessment uptake

MBS 715,

MBS 10987

Stoneman J & Taylor S. 2007 [105]

Improving access to medicines in urban, regional and rural Aboriginal communities—is expansion of Sect. 100 the answer?

To review the barriers and enablers to strategies implemented to improve the access to and quality use of medicines in Aboriginal communities, including s100

s100 has increased access to medication; quality use of medicines issues remain and require pharmacists’ remuneration to be reviewed and adequate training of AHWs

s100

Stoneman J & Taylor SJ. 2007 [106]

Pharmacists' views on Indigenous health: is there more that can be done?

To explore pharmacists’ views in rural and remote NSW to take on a greater role in Indigenous health

Financial barriers and restrictions on time were barriers to taking on expanded roles; whilst interactions with AHWs were limited, their value was recognised

s100,

ACCHS,

AHW

Thomas S, et al. 2014 [107]

The cost‐effectiveness of primary care for Indigenous Australians with diabetes living in remote Northern Territory communities

To evaluate the costs and health outcomes associated with primary care use by Indigenous people with diabetes in remote communities in the Northern Territory

Improving the use of primary care would not only yield better health outcomes for patients with diabetes, but would be cost-effective

MBS 715

Thorn G & Cox J. 2024 [108]

Improving health equity to primary care for First Nations peoples living in northern Queensland

To improve access to health assessments and integrated and coordinated care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Increased in Indigenous-status recording, MBS 715 Health Assessments and associated shared care management

CTG PBS scripts,

MBS 715,

PIP IHI

Trivedi AN & Kelaher M. 2020 [109]

Copayment incentive increased medication use and reduced spending among Indigenous Australians After 2010: A study of government-sponsored subsidies to reduce prescription drug copayments among indigenous Australians

To examine the effect of registration for the Closing the Gap copayment incentive on the use of prescription drugs and spending

Copayment reductions were associated with an increase in the use of medications and a reduction in out-of-pocket spendings

CTG PBS script

Trivedi AN, et al. 2017 [109]

Hospitalizations for chronic conditions among Indigenous Australians after medication copayment reductions: the Closing the Gap copayment incentive

To assess rates of hospitalisations for chronic conditions before and after the introduction of the CTG PBS scheme

Marked declines were observed in hospitalisations for chronic conditions following targeted reductions in medication copayments

CTG PBS scripts

Usher K, et al. 2021 [110]

Influence of COVID-19 on the preventive health behaviours of indigenous peoples of Australia residing in New South Wales: a mixed-method study protocol

Protocol to explore how COVID-19 influenced preventive health behaviours of indigenous Australians

MBS data will identify uptake of Indigenous Health Assessments during COVID-19. Qualitative results will explore the impact of COVID-19 on preventative health appointments attendance

MBS 715

Usher K, et al. 2023 [111]

Mental health and use of Medicare Benefits Schedule follow-up mental health services by Indigenous people in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic

To investigate trends in mental health service claims for Indigenous people before and during COVID-19

There was a significant decline in MBS items specific to follow-up mental health services for Indigenous people; it is not known if this was due to COVID-19

MBS 81325,

MBS 81355

Ware V. 2013 [5]

Improving the accessibility of health services in urban and regional settings for Indigenous people

To explore how to improve accessibility of metropolitan, urban and regional health services for Indigenous Australians

Barriers include availability (physical accessibility), affordability, appropriateness and cultural acceptability

s100

Westbury N & Sanders W. 2004 [112]

Governance and service delivery for remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory: challenges and opportunities

To identify opportunities for change and the development of more collaborative relationships between governments and Aboriginal communities

Further development of regional support organisations to assist and service local Aboriginal communities is a critical factor for change; in remote communities many services must still be addressed at the individual community level

ACCT

Wright K, et al. 2017 [113]

National Key Performance Indicators for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care: results from June 2016. National key performance indicators for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care series no. 4 

To provide data on Indigenous primary health care key performance indicators from June 2012 to June 2016

The major areas of achievement against the key performance indicators are provided, as well as areas for improvement

MBS 715

Yadav UN, et al. 2023 [114]

Understanding the implementation of health checks in the prevention and early detection of chronic diseases among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia: a realist review protocol

To identify context-specific enablers and tensions and contribute to developing an evidence framework to guide the implementation of health checks

Evidence informed recommendations will guide policymakers, researchers and wider stakeholders in codesigning people-centred interventions to improve the delivery of health checks

MBS 715

Zhao Y, et al. 2014 [115]

Better health outcomes at lower costs: the benefits of primary care utilisation for chronic disease management in remote Indigenous communities in Australia’s Northern Territory

To determine if primary care represents an efficient use of resources for Indigenous patients with selected chronic disease

Primary care in remote Indigenous communities was shown to be associated with cost-savings to public hospitals and health benefits to individual patients

ACCHS

Zhao Y, et al. 2022 [116]

Remoteness, models of primary care and inequity: Medicare under-expenditure in the Northern Territory

To analyse Medicare expenditure by State/Territory, remoteness, and Indigenous demography

A simple capitation payment adjusted for age, sex and Indigenous status may mitigate up to 97% of the current primary health care shortfall

ACCT,

MBS item,

MBS 715