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Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Shift Toward Value-Based Care Encourages Health Systems to Partner with NEMT Providers
The non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) market is poised for growth through regulatory changes, expanding insurance coverage, and technological enhancements. Opportunities arise from streamlined service delivery via digital platforms, partnerships with telehealth, and innovative reimbursement models, bolstering patient outcomes and efficiency. Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Market Dublin, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Non-Emergency Medical Transportation - Global Strategic Business Report" report has been added to global market for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation was estimated at US$16.2 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$24.3 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation market. Expanding coverage of NEMT services in public insurance plans has increased demand and funding. Providers are adopting advanced digital dispatch, routing, and tracking software to improve service efficiency and regulatory compliance. Partnerships with ride-hailing networks and telehealth platforms are supporting new integrated care offerings. Focus on patient outcomes and appointment attendance is motivating payers to reimburse more extensively for reliable NEMT services. Regulatory emphasis on accessible, safe medical transport continues encouraging investment in driver training and accessible vehicle fleets. Meanwhile, demand for convenient, on demand mobility solutions, especially among aging and mobility-impaired populations, is strengthening long term market growth. How Are Regulatory Shifts and Health Policies Reshaping Non Emergency Medical Transportation?Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services provide vital mobility for patients who need assistance reaching appointments but do not require emergency care. Over the past few years, health policies have increasingly recognized reliable NEMT as essential to improving access and reducing hospital readmissions. Many public and private health insurers now include NEMT in benefit packages to ensure equitable care delivery. New regulations around Medicaid and value based care emphasize performance metrics-such as timeliness, safety, and patient satisfaction-pushing providers to upgrade services and healthcare systems transition from fee-for-service models to outcome-based payment, NEMT providers must demonstrate efficiency and quality standards. Licensing requirements, data transparency mandates, and safety audits have raised the bar for operational readiness. This regulatory environment encourages investment in fleet maintenance, driver training, and service monitoring platforms. It also prompts collaboration between healthcare networks, payers, and NEMT agencies to align on performance goals and agreed-upon Role Is Technology Playing in Enhancing Service Efficiency and Safety?Technology has become a cornerstone of modern NEMT operations. Sophisticated booking systems, often with cloud-based dashboards, allow coordination across providers and care settings. Real-time GPS monitoring, digital check-in features, and automated arrival notifications provide visibility into driver location and patient status. AI-driven routing and dynamic dispatch algorithms help minimize wait times, reduce idle mileage, and optimize resource vehicles now integrate safety technology, such as wheelchair securement systems, driver-assist cameras, and emergency alert functions. Electronic logging tools record trip details and patient interactions to comply with regulatory documentation and audit requirements. Mobile apps offer patients and caregivers easy access to trip details, reminders, and driver credentials. These integrated systems are improving trust, reducing missed appointments, and helping agencies manage higher service volumes with fewer Are Revenue Models and Partnerships Evolving in the NEMT Sector?Traditional NEMT providers often relied on contracts from Medicaid and hospital networks. Today, innovative models are emerging alongside those partnerships. Ride-share integration, shared mobility programs, and broker systems are reshaping how services are delivered and reimbursed. Through app-based platforms, agencies can dispatch rides on demand while maintaining compliance with medical transport NEMT providers are forming alliances with telehealth platforms, care-at-home programs, and chronic care management services. These partnerships allow for bundled care delivery, where transportation is coordinated alongside remote monitoring or in-home nursing visits. Outcome-based reimbursement models reward reduced no-show rates and better care continuity. Investment in NEMT technology startups has also attracted venture funding, enabling market entrants to scale rapidly through platform-driven efficiency and innovative service Features: Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030. In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as ABC Non-Emergency Medical Transportation LLC, Acadian Ambulance Service, Inc., American Medical Response (AMR), Ambulnz, CareSafe Transportation and more. Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments. Key Insights: Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Private Pay Patient Transportation Service segment, which is expected to reach US$13.2 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 6.0%. The Insurance Backed Patient Transportation Service segment is also set to grow at 8.0% CAGR over the analysis period. Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $4.4 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 10.8% CAGR to reach $5.0 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific. Scope of Study: Service (Private Pay Patient Transportation Service, Insurance Backed Patient Transportation Service, Courier Services) Application (Dialysis Application, Routine Doctor Visits Application, Mental Health Related Appointments Application, Rehabilitation Application) End-Use (Hospitals & Clinics End-Use, Nursing Homes End-Use, Homecare Settings End-Use, MCO & State Agencies End-Use, Healthcare Payers End-Use) Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 374 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value in 2024 16.2 Billion Forecasted Market Value by 2030 24.3 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.0% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: MARKET OVERVIEW Influencer Market Insights World Market Trajectories Tariff Impact on Global Supply Chain Patterns Non-Emergency Medical Transportation - Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2025 (E) Competitive Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2025 (E) MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Rising Demand for Accessible Healthcare Services Drives Growth in Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Increase in Aging Population and Chronic Disease Prevalence Expands Utilization of Routine Medical Travel Services Expansion of Government-Funded Healthcare Programs Supports Reimbursement for NEMT Services Integration of Ride-Booking Platforms and Digital Scheduling Tools Enhances Operational Efficiency Growing Emphasis on Reducing Missed Appointments Strengthens Business Case for Reliable Transport Access Shift Toward Value-Based Care Encourages Health Systems to Partner with NEMT Providers Use of GPS and Real-Time Tracking Technologies Improves Safety and Coordination Across Transport Networks Rise in Ambulatory and Home-Based Care Models Increases Need for Scheduled, Non-Urgent Patient Mobility Participation of Ride-Hailing Giants in Healthcare Logistics Expands Service Reach and Cost Flexibility Availability of Specialized Vehicles and Trained Drivers Supports Transport of Patients with Mobility Limitations Growth in Dialysis, Rehabilitation, and Physical Therapy Visits Drives Repeat NEMT Utilization Telehealth Integration Spurs Hybrid Care Models Where NEMT Supports In-Person Diagnostics or Treatments FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS |Some of the 32 companies featured in this Non-Emergency Medical Transportation report ABC Non-Emergency Medical Transportation LLC Acadian Ambulance Service, Inc. American Medical Response (AMR) Ambulnz CareSafe Transportation Coastal Medical Transportation Systems LLC Crothall Healthcare Elite Medical Transport Falck a/S Global Medical Response, Inc. Lifeline VMT LogistiCare Solutions (ModivCare) London Medical Transportation Systems Inc. MediTrans MTM, Inc. Ridesharing Health (Uber Health/Lyft Health) Southeastrans, Inc. Transdev Group SA Veyo LLC Xpress Transportation For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
MCMC and Health Ministry team up to deliver e-health services via rural Nadi centres, says Fahmi
PAPAR, July 23 — The Ministry of Communications, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), is collaborating with the Ministry of Health (MOH) to provide e-health services at National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI), particularly at over 700 centres located in rural areas nationwide. Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that MCMC and MOH are exploring several digital health initiatives, including telehealth services and the use of drone technology to deliver medications from selected NADI centres to nearby health clinics, depending on location suitability. 'This collaboration has begun here, and we aim to expand it to all NADI centres across the country. Our goal is to provide telehealth services to help ease the burden on people living in remote areas. 'With high-speed internet available at NADI centres, these e-health services can be delivered efficiently through the NADI-health clinic network. This will allow patients to undergo health screenings without physically visiting the clinics.' Fahmi said this to reporters after attending the Community Engagement Day at NADI Kampung Langkuas Kinarut near here today, which was also attended by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and MOH secretary-general Datuk Seri Suriani Ahmad. Elaborating on the initiative, Fahmi noted that the use of drone technology for medication delivery to rural health clinics is still in its pilot phase. 'A few months ago, the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) witnessed a drone-based medicine delivery demonstration at a NADI centre in Tawau. 'Going forward, we will hold discussions to map out the connectivity between NADI centres and health clinics. This process may be complex as it involves coordination with multiple agencies, especially concerning drone operations,' he said. Fahmi stressed that internet speed is key to making the initiative successful, alongside close cooperation between the Ministry of Communications, MCMC, and MOH. 'Some NADI centres still operate at 100 Mbps, while others have reached up to 1 Gbps. We aim to further improve these speeds. Also, there needs to be joint training sessions between MOH and NADI managers to ensure the effective delivery of telehealth services,' he noted. Fahmi added that the initial focus would be on rural areas, where the impact of such services would be most significant, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, with further discussions to determine which NADI and clinics would be included. Meanwhile, Dzulkefly expressed support for the initiative, saying it would enhance access to healthcare in rural communities through selected NADI centres. 'This collaboration will bring healthcare services closer to the people. It is a timely move, as community centres like NADI can also provide health-related services such as managing communicable and chronic diseases in these areas. 'Patients will no longer need to visit health clinics to access basic healthcare, as they can do so directly through telehealth services available at their local NADI centres,' he added. — Bernama
SBS Australia
6 days ago
- Health
- SBS Australia
How some Aussies are tackling the 'massive hurdles' of ADHD diagnosis and treatment
When Zac Altman returned to Australia, he didn't expect that a frustrating journey trying to get rediagnosed with ADHD would propel him to start a business seeking to address the flaws of the system. Altman is the founder of Kantoko, a telehealth platform that offers ADHD assessment and care under a subscription model. After being diagnosed with ADHD while living in the United States, he returned home — and found he needed to start his diagnosis journey from scratch. "I was already diagnosed, already on the medication, had the documentation. I thought it was going to be pretty straightforward. And for me, it was a challenge," he told SBS News. "I don't think I ever would've made it through the process if I were starting in Australia from the get-go because of the massive hurdles and burdens required with getting through the process." Altman's struggles reflect a broader issue when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in Australia: despite rising awareness and demand, the system is still playing catch-up — and some states are lagging behind. Zac Altman says he would never have founded his ADHD telehealth business if he hadn't struggled with the diagnosis process himself. Source: Supplied A postcode lottery All states and territories have different laws governing how stimulant medications — commonly prescribed to treat ADHD — can be prescribed and dispensed. In some places, the process is more streamlined. In others, patients face stricter regulatory barriers — often accompanied by longer wait times and higher costs. Dr Roger Paterson, a psychiatrist based in Western Australia, said there was "always a postcode privilege for all levels of healthcare". "ADHD treatment is no different," he told SBS News. He said ADHD diagnosis and treatment rates have surged in Australia — but not uniformly. "We're still below the prevalence rates … but some states and territories have caught up quicker than others." Paterson told SBS News. Patterson said South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and the Northern Territory remain the slowest to catch up, while Western Australia — which once lagged behind — has now reached similar levels to Queensland. "No-one really knows why [some states lag], beyond the NT not having many specialists — paediatricians or psychiatrists. But they are all gradually catching up to the ADHD prevalence rates." Prevalence refers to the proportion of a population that is affected by ADHD. While there are no Australian adult prevalence studies of ADHD using the current DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, some studies have indicated the prevalence of ADHD in Australia is likely to be similar to that found internationally — between 2 and 6 per cent of the population, according to the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association. Rates of prescribing vary across states and territories, reflecting the different jurisdictional laws about stimulant prescribing. Source: SBS News Additionally, the federal government's Drug Utilisation Sub Committee September 2023 report found differences in the rates of prescribing across states and territories, which the report says reflects different laws across jurisdictions. Adult rates of prescribing were significantly higher in Western Australia and the ACT compared to the other states and the Northern Territory. The federal Senate inquiry into ADHD, handed down in November 2023, examined the barriers to consistent, timely and best-practice assessment of ADHD. It heard those living in regional and rural areas were subject to even more barriers to care, with reduced access to specialists, longer wait times and higher costs. Altman said the differences were most pronounced in Kantoko clients moving interstate who had to navigate different jurisdictional regulations, sometimes requiring them to find an entirely new specialist. "It seems somewhat unreasonable to expect every psychiatrist to know every quirk across the country ... which is why I would argue we should have some sort of national standard around this stuff," he said. A patchwork system with no national rules Altman said going through the assessment process in Australia can feel like "a roll of the dice" due to a lack of national rules. He said he paid about $1,500 out of pocket to be rediagnosed in his first year back in Australia — including an upfront $1,000 fee to secure a psychiatrist appointment in NSW. He said he was fortunate to have leftover medication from the US to tide him over in the months he waited, but he knows others aren't so lucky. "It's the luck of the draw," he said. The inquiry heard that of those who did have positive experiences of ADHD assessment and diagnosis, "many attributed their experience to luck" or to doctors and psychiatrists who helped them access services. There is no national framework for ADHD, despite it being a key recommendation in the inquiry. The inquiry heard wait times were found to be "significant", typically between six and 18 months for an initial appointment, while the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc said the number of mental health professionals has not kept up with the demand for services. The public system rarely treats the condition except in children, pushing adults seeking a diagnosis to the private sector. As specialists set their own fees with no cap, people can be subject to high fees. The ADHD Foundation said it had observed some professionals charge up to $5,000 for assessments. 'Kantoko wouldn't exist if Australia nailed it' In response, ADHD telehealth services like Kantoko have cropped up. Operating completely online, these clinics promise shorter wait times — but sometimes at a greater cost. Kantoko operates under a subscription model. Medicare does not cover any fees. In exchange, patients are promised an ADHD assessment by a qualified psychiatrist, follow-up appointments with mental health doctors and prescription renewals. "Kantoko wouldn't exist if Australia had nailed it," Altman said. "I wouldn't have gotten so frustrated that I started this business and embarked on this journey if it were easy-to-access and affordable." But the Senate inquiry heard concerns about the growing telehealth service model, saying that while it was helpful for those in regional areas, it has also driven up risks associated with "inadequate assessment and misdiagnosis", according to the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses. The Canberra and Queanbeyan ADHD Support Group, a volunteer-run local group, said the clinics offered "exceedingly high fees delivering a quick turnaround" with concerns of "price gouging". The GP debate: solving shortages or lowering the bar? As the system plays catch-up, a key recommendation from the inquiry was the development of uniform and nationally consistent ADHD prescribing rules — the only recommendation of the 15 that the government accepted in full. But the government said the establishment of prescribing arrangements, including increased GP involvement, was a matter for state and territory governments. NSW, ACT, SA and WA have committed to reforms that will allow specially trained GPs to prescribe ADHD medication independently from 2025 and 2026. They'll join jurisdictions like Queensland, where GPs have been able to prescribe certain ADHD medications for children without prior approval since 2017. While some say it could ease bottlenecks and encourage holistic care, others warn it risks lowering the standards of care. Paterson said the current model is for specialists to handle diagnosis and stabilisation, before shifting to a shared care arrangement with GPs — known as co-prescribing. He's sceptical of political moves to shift ADHD treatment onto GPs in an effort to play catch-up. "Some GPs have pushed for taking on initial, independent assessment and prescribing, and politicians push this along as a popular way of reducing waiting lists," Paterson said. "This creates a tension between reducing waitlists with more GP involvement on the one hand, but on the other hand, accepting that GP ADHD management may not have the nuance of specialist management." There are concerns that relaxing GP restrictions could open the door to so-called 'dexy clinics' — where stimulant medications such as dexamphetamines might be handed out too freely, similar to concerns seen with medicinal cannabis. "There would be less concern about lower GP numbers who are highly trained, and more concern about higher GP numbers who are less trained," Paterson said. "The worst case scenario is that stimulant medication becomes as accessible as cannabis from the medicinal cannabis clinics." But Dr Alison Poulton, a senior lecturer in paediatrics at The University of Sydney and member of ADHD Australia's advisory board, pushed back against 'dexy clinic' fears, saying that ongoing relationships between GPs and patients would reduce risk and encourage more holistic care. She criticised current restrictions requiring specialist endorsement and fixed dosage limits, arguing they undermine both patient autonomy and the ability of GPs to tailor care. "It makes complete nonsense of patient autonomy," she said. "Decisions should be made between the GP and patient, not based on a letter written five years ago." Poulton emphasised that GPs, who often have a long-term understanding of their patients, are well placed to make prescribing decisions that reflect changing needs, leading to better functional outcomes. "I think the GPs are going to do a much better job if they know it's up to them to make these prescribing decisions rather than to have to consult the specialist."
SBS Australia
6 days ago
- Health
- SBS Australia
A 'postcode lottery': How do we solve Australia's ADHD crisis?
When Zac Altman returned to Australia, he didn't expect that a frustrating journey trying to get rediagnosed with ADHD would propel him to start a business seeking to address the flaws of the system. Altman is the founder of Kantoko, a telehealth platform that offers ADHD assessment and care under a subscription model. After being diagnosed with ADHD while living in the United States, he returned home — and found he needed to start his diagnosis journey from scratch. "I was already diagnosed, already on the medication, had the documentation. I thought it was going to be pretty straightforward. And for me, it was a challenge," he told SBS News. "I don't think I ever would've made it through the process if I were starting in Australia from the get-go because of the massive hurdles and burdens required with getting through the process." Altman's struggles reflect a broader issue when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in Australia: despite rising awareness and demand, the system is still playing catch-up — and some states are lagging behind. Zac Altman says he would never have founded his ADHD telehealth business if he hadn't struggled with the diagnosis process himself. Source: Supplied A postcode lottery All states and territories have different laws governing how stimulant medications — commonly prescribed to treat ADHD — can be prescribed and dispensed. In some places, the process is more streamlined. In others, patients face stricter regulatory barriers — often accompanied by longer wait times and higher costs. Dr Roger Paterson, a psychiatrist based in Western Australia, said there was "always a postcode privilege for all levels of healthcare". "ADHD treatment is no different," he told SBS News. He said ADHD diagnosis and treatment rates have surged in Australia — but not uniformly. "We're still below the prevalence rates … but some states and territories have caught up quicker than others." Paterson told SBS News. Patterson said South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and the Northern Territory remain the slowest to catch up, while Western Australia — which once lagged behind — has now reached similar levels to Queensland. "No-one really knows why [some states lag], beyond the NT not having many specialists — paediatricians or psychiatrists. But they are all gradually catching up to the ADHD prevalence rates." Prevalence refers to the proportion of a population that is affected by ADHD. While there are no Australian adult prevalence studies of ADHD using the current DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, some studies have indicated the prevalence of ADHD in Australia is likely to be similar to that found internationally — between 2 and 6 per cent of the population, according to the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association. Rates of prescribing vary across states and territories, reflecting the different jurisdictional laws about stimulant prescribing. Source: SBS News Additionally, the federal government's Drug Utilisation Sub Committee September 2023 report found differences in the rates of prescribing across states and territories, which the report says reflects different laws across jurisdictions. Adult rates of prescribing were significantly higher in Western Australia and the ACT compared to the other states and the Northern Territory. The federal Senate inquiry into ADHD, handed down in November 2023, examined the barriers to consistent, timely and best-practice assessment of ADHD. It heard those living in regional and rural areas were subject to even more barriers to care, with reduced access to specialists, longer wait times and higher costs. Altman said the differences were most pronounced in Kantoko clients moving interstate who had to navigate different jurisdictional regulations, sometimes requiring them to find an entirely new specialist. "It seems somewhat unreasonable to expect every psychiatrist to know every quirk across the country ... which is why I would argue we should have some sort of national standard around this stuff," he said. A patchwork system with no national rules Altman said going through the assessment process in Australia can feel like "a roll of the dice" due to a lack of national rules. He said he paid about $1,500 out of pocket to be rediagnosed in his first year back in Australia — including an upfront $1,000 fee to secure a psychiatrist appointment in NSW. He said he was fortunate to have leftover medication from the US to tide him over in the months he waited, but he knows others aren't so lucky. "It's the luck of the draw," he said. The inquiry heard that of those who did have positive experiences of ADHD assessment and diagnosis, "many attributed their experience to luck" or to doctors and psychiatrists who helped them access services. There is no national framework for ADHD, despite it being a key recommendation in the inquiry. The inquiry heard wait times were found to be "significant", typically between six and 18 months for an initial appointment, while the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc said the number of mental health professionals has not kept up with the demand for services. The public system rarely treats the condition except in children, pushing adults seeking a diagnosis to the private sector. As specialists set their own fees with no cap, people can be subject to high fees. The ADHD Foundation said it had observed some professionals charge up to $5,000 for assessments. 'Kantoko wouldn't exist if Australia nailed it' In response, ADHD telehealth services like Kantoko have cropped up. Operating completely online, these clinics promise shorter wait times — but sometimes at a greater cost. Kantoko operates under a subscription model. Medicare does not cover any fees. In exchange, patients are promised an ADHD assessment by a qualified psychiatrist, follow-up appointments with mental health doctors and prescription renewals. "Kantoko wouldn't exist if Australia had nailed it," Altman said. "I wouldn't have gotten so frustrated that I started this business and embarked on this journey if it were easy-to-access and affordable." But the Senate inquiry heard concerns about the growing telehealth service model, saying that while it was helpful for those in regional areas, it has also driven up risks associated with "inadequate assessment and misdiagnosis", according to the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses. The Canberra and Queanbeyan ADHD Support Group, a volunteer-run local group, said the clinics offered "exceedingly high fees delivering a quick turnaround" with concerns of "price gouging". The GP debate: solving shortages or lowering the bar? As the system plays catch-up, a key recommendation from the inquiry was the development of uniform and nationally consistent ADHD prescribing rules — the only recommendation of the 15 that the government accepted in full. But the government said the establishment of prescribing arrangements, including increased GP involvement, was a matter for state and territory governments. NSW, ACT, SA and WA have committed to reforms that will allow specially trained GPs to prescribe ADHD medication independently from 2025 and 2026. They'll join jurisdictions like Queensland, where GPs have been able to prescribe certain ADHD medications for children without prior approval since 2017. While some say it could ease bottlenecks and encourage holistic care, others warn it risks lowering the standards of care. Paterson said the current model is for specialists to handle diagnosis and stabilisation, before shifting to a shared care arrangement with GPs — known as co-prescribing. He's sceptical of political moves to shift ADHD treatment onto GPs in an effort to play catch-up. "Some GPs have pushed for taking on initial, independent assessment and prescribing, and politicians push this along as a popular way of reducing waiting lists," Paterson said. "This creates a tension between reducing waitlists with more GP involvement on the one hand, but on the other hand, accepting that GP ADHD management may not have the nuance of specialist management." There are concerns that relaxing GP restrictions could open the door to so-called 'dexy clinics' — where stimulant medications such as dexamphetamines might be handed out too freely, similar to concerns seen with medicinal cannabis. "There would be less concern about lower GP numbers who are highly trained, and more concern about higher GP numbers who are less trained," Paterson said. "The worst case scenario is that stimulant medication becomes as accessible as cannabis from the medicinal cannabis clinics." But Dr Alison Poulton, a senior lecturer in paediatrics at The University of Sydney and member of ADHD Australia's advisory board, pushed back against 'dexy clinic' fears, saying that ongoing relationships between GPs and patients would reduce risk and encourage more holistic care. She criticised current restrictions requiring specialist endorsement and fixed dosage limits, arguing they undermine both patient autonomy and the ability of GPs to tailor care. "It makes complete nonsense of patient autonomy," she said. "Decisions should be made between the GP and patient, not based on a letter written five years ago." Poulton emphasised that GPs, who often have a long-term understanding of their patients, are well placed to make prescribing decisions that reflect changing needs, leading to better functional outcomes. "I think the GPs are going to do a much better job if they know it's up to them to make these prescribing decisions rather than to have to consult the specialist."
ABC News
18-07-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Telehealth surgery technology saves life in Rockhampton public hospital
When Michael Lamparelli was at a party in Brisbane last month, he did not expect to be saving a life that night. But when he helped another remote colleague virtually "scrub in" to a surgery in Rockhampton, more than 600 kilometres away, that is exactly what happened. "The patient had a significant bleed inside their skull, causing pressure on their brain," Dr Lamparelli said. The deputy director of surgery at Rockhampton Hospital, in central Queensland, had spent three years campaigning for the new specialised piece of telehealth equipment, which allowed the surgery to go ahead. The Teladoc system, which has rolled out in the Rockhampton, Gladstone and Emerald hospitals, allows specialists to dial in virtually to a surgery, see close up what is happening via multiple camera angles and provide advice to colleagues. It is the first time the equipment has been used in an Australian public hospital. Dr Lamparelli said last month, when he was away in Brisbane, other Rockhampton colleagues were unavailable for the complex emergency surgery. On his phone from the party, he connected Brisbane neurosurgeon Craig Winter into the live surgery to assist the general surgeon on call in Rockhampton, who had never performed that particular operation before. "What I was able to do was push those images from my phone to the neurosurgeon, and he was able to supervise that case … talking to her [the on-ground surgeon] through the whole procedure," Dr Lamparelli said. Dr Lamparelli said the procedure took about an hour, then the patient was stabilised and taken to Brisbane — a transfer which took about five hours. The patient is now back in the Rockhampton hospital, recovering well in the rehabilitation centre. Rockhampton Hospital director of surgery Chris Lewis said he was hopeful the new technology could change the landscape of regional healthcare. "Especially in trauma and severe injury, a lot of our patients come from cattle stations in the middle of nowhere, and time is of the essence. "You actually need the help there and then, and you can't stop the operation and come back at a later date." Dr Lamparelli campaigned for three years to get the technology in local hospitals and said it was thanks to fundraising through not-for-profit organisation CQ Shines Hospital Foundation and the Gladstone Ports Corporation that the machines could be purchased. "If we can prove that it's worthwhile, we would hope that other hospitals would get this," he said. Rockhampton Hospital telehealth coordinator and clinical nurse consultant, Christina McInally, said any specialist in the world could be dialled in to the secure network, so she was hopeful it would also help to retain staff. "It's also showing that our staff are great at their job and can do absolutely amazing things when we just have a little bit of extra support," she said.
