More Allied Health Services (MAHS)

Overview of the Program

The MAHS Program was developed in 2000/01 under the Commonwealth Governments Regional Health Strategy: More Doctors, Better Services. It was established to balance the identified inequity in health service delivery in rural communities.

The Division coordinates the allocation of MAHS funding through private practitioners within the Division. MAHS funds are available through GPs for the provision of allied health services such as podiatry, psychology, physiotherapy, dietician, diabetes education and cardiac rehabilitation:

Improvements to MAHS

Aims

To improve health outcomes for people living in rural areas by providing opportunities for general practitioners to link with Allied Health Professionals to upgrade the quality of health service delivery at a local level.

Objectives

  • To improve the health care of key groups within a rural community through the provision of efficient and effective allied health services which have been selected on the basis of the identified needs of the community;
  • To provide additional quality and range of allied health service to rural communities;
  • To provide an integrated approach to health care provision by working with other State and Commonwealth Government funded health initiatives and services;
  • To provide opportunities for the increased uptake of MBS and EPC items

What is available in my area?

Tablelands Region

  • cardiac rehabilitation
  • diabetes education
  • physiotherapist
  • dietician
  • podiatry
  • psychology

Innisfail Region

  • diabetes education
  • dietician
  • podiatry
  • psychology
  • cardiac rehabilitation

Tully/ Mission Beach Region

  • diabetes education
  • dietician
  • podiatry
  • psychology

Douglas Shire

  • diabetes education
  • dietician
  • podiatry
  • psychology

Cooktown Region

  • dietician
  • podiatry
  • physiotherapy
  • psychologist
  • diabetes education

Etheridge Shire (Services are accessed via Royal Flying Doctor Service through quarterly visits)

  • diabetes education

How much does it cost?

Patients incur no cost for services provided under this program.

How do I access these services?

You should discuss the program with your GP for a referral.

Who can I contact for more information?

As a patient, contact your local GP for information and advice.

For GP's, contact our Program Manager Clinical Services Dr Imran Durrani, phone (07) 4042 7333 or email idurrani@fnqrdgp.org.au.

Resources