Substantial underuse of Medicare-funded services for people with diabetes

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2026-04-10 00:01

Australia; NSW; VIC

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There is a substantial underuse of Medicare-funded services, especially allied health services such as podiatry, dietitians, and diabetes educators, among people newly diagnosed with diabetes, according to Australian research. The study found that only two-thirds of newly diagnosed patients had a GP management plan, and only 45.8% claimed for at least one allied health service within two years of diagnosis. The researchers say targeted strategies are needed to improve initiation of care planning by GPs, and to ensure equitable access to government-funded allied health services.

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Research CSIRO Publishing, Web page Please link to the article in online versions of your report (the URL will go live after the embargo ends).

Journal/
conference: Australian Journal of Primary Health

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: The University of Sydney, Australian Catholic University

Funder: This work was supported by an Australian Diabetes Society Servier Research Grant, an Australian Diabetes Research Trust Grant and a NSW Health EMCR CVD Capacity Grant. EC is supported by a University of Sydney Research Training Program Scholarship. AAG is supported by an Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Emerging Leader 1 Investigator Grant (APP1173784). AAG is also grateful to the NSW Cardiovascular Research Network for a Professional Development Award. NN is supported by Financial Markets Foundation for Children, and by an Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Leadership 2 Investigator Grant (APP1197940).

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