An analysis of the first 24 months of uptake of Australia's 2019 dedicated Medicare items for eating disorders, examining variations in service delivery across regions, healthcare settings, and professional disciplines. The study tracked over 29,000 care plans initiated and 265,000 treatment sessions delivered, identifying opportunities for program refinement to optimise outcomes and ensure policy objectives are met.
Aims
This study examined the first 24 months of use of Australia’s eating‑disorder‑specific Medicare items, analysing how uptake varied across regions, healthcare settings, and professional groups, and assessing the impact of COVID‑19‑related program changes.
Background
In 2019, the Australian Government introduced the first Medicare items dedicated to a mental illness, aiming to improve access to multidisciplinary care for people with eating disorders. Early data show strong uptake across the country, with general practitioners initiating most care plans and substantial use of psychotherapy, dietetic services, and telehealth. However, completion of key review milestones remained low, highlighting areas where the program may require further evaluation and adjustment.
Universal healthcare reform for community treatment of eating disorders in Australia: report of the first 2 years of operation
Maguire, S., Bryant, E., Ivancic, L., & MAINSTREAM Research Collective
Public health research & practice.
33(2): 32232211.
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