23/05/2024
Dear Minister Butler,
We, the undersigned, petition the Australian government to expand the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program under Medicare to include Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine as eligible allied health services. With a rich history of efficacy and growing demand, these modalities offer holistic healthcare options that can complement conventional treatments. By integrating Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine into EPC, patients will have greater access to comprehensive care, fostering improved health and wellbeing outcomes for all Australians nationwide. Acupuncturists have been waiting since AHPRA registration in 2012 to join the EPC
Why is this important?
Acupuncturists have been eagerly awaiting inclusion in the EPC since their AHPRA registration in 2012. However, they find themselves the only AHPRA registered Allied Health Professionals denied access to the chronic disease management program under Medicare, despite their vital role in the health and wellbeing of all Australian citizens. In contrast other AHPRA registered practitioners, Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Physiotherapists, and Podiatrists are permitted to use the EPC for dry needlingāa practice representing only 1% of acupuncture knowledgeāoften acquired through brief weekend courses.
Acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine practitioners undergo rigorous 3-4 year degree programs, gaining comprehensive understanding of the body's subtle energy pathways. This vast difference and disparity in training raises serious concerns among acupuncturists nationwide, regarding the quality of care provided by other modalities with minimal training. Even medical doctors in Australia undergo only a 60-hour course, with 25 hours of mentorship, to qualify for administering Medical Acupuncture under the Medicare scheme.
Numerous chronic and pain conditions have been effectively treated with acupuncture, supported by evidence-based practices. Thus, it begs the question: why are those with the highest level of training in acupuncture practice settings being excluded by Australian Government laws?
Acupuncturists have been waiting since AHPRA registration in 2012 to join the EPC, but for some reasonĀ acupuncturists are the only AHPRA registered allied health profession that are not allowed to access the chronic disease management program under MedicareĀ for the health and wellbeing o...
