Adolescent health - as easy as EPC

BACKGROUND: There are a number of very serious health trends for adolescent Australians. A major barrier to young people's access to high quality health care is poor general practitioner remuneration for longer consultations for complex adolescent issues. OBJECTIVE: This article discusses the use of the Enhanced Primary Care Medicare items for adolescents presenting to community general practice, youth specific health centres and community health centres. DISCUSSION: Medicare items for care planning, case conferencing, mental health, asthma, diabetes, and cervical screening may be used to improve outcomes for young people and increase GP remuneration in this poorly funded area. (author abstract)