In a major win for audiologists and speech pathologists in Australia, a landmark review has recommended the practitioners should be able to refer patients directly to ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists, by-passing GPs.
The independent review into health professions’ practice commissioned by the Australian Government made the recommendation to the government for new direct referral pathways.
It suggested “audiologist and speech pathologist referral to an ENT surgeon where an underlying medical condition is suspected as contributing to the speech, hearing or auditory system issues the patient is experiencing, and medical treatment, including surgery, may be required”.
The government said it would “carefully consider the findings and recommendations alongside other primary health care and workforce review reports”.
If it adopts the recommendation, it would align with what happens in the eye-care sector, where optometrists can refer directly to ophthalmologists.
The report also stated there was potential for confusion among the public and health professions about expected roles of audiologists and audiometrists, and “without registration and title protection, there is no mechanism to address this”.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Mark Butler, released the Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce – Scope of Practice Review final report on 5 November 2024.
The review states: “The Australian Government (should) implement new direct referral pathways for consumer access to specified non-General Practitioner (GP) specialist Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items which meet the following criteria:
“A. The direct referral made by the health professional is within their scope of practice.
“B. The referral is accompanied by appropriate, timely notification of the consultation to relevant treating team members including the patient’s GP, and registered practice via digital mechanisms as available.”
It recommended these pathways for allied health professionals including audiologists and speech pathologists and noted audiologists already collaborate with ENTs and GPs.
“This review validates the frustrations of so many of our incredible health professionals: the health system does not enable and support them to consistently deliver the care that is within their skills, training and experience,” Butler said.
“This is not a case of a single profession missing out. The review tells us that virtually all health professions are held back by restrictions and barriers that are unrelated to their skills, training and experience.
“Removing these barriers would make it easier for Australians to get high quality health care, when and where they need it, without waiting weeks or driving long distances.”
He said many of the 18 recommendations would require collaboration between governments, and consultation with peak professional organisations, Ahpra, patient groups, and the sector more broadly.
Note: Hearing Practitioner Australia will provide in-depth coverage on the issue in its December-January magazine, out before Christmas.
