Funding mechanisms for preventative health apps in primary care

Opportunity

The global proliferation of preventative health apps has highlighted a significant gap in the Australian health system. Despite mounting evidence that these apps can improve consumer outcomes, the absence of reimbursement for clinicians' time to support their use means they risk being systematically under-utilised.

Intervention

The Centre’s research team conducted an evidence scan to describe the state of evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of preventative health apps. This was complemented by a survey of precinct stakeholders, consumers, and practising clinicians, alongside economic modelling to demonstrate the potential cost-effectiveness and financial impact of reimbursement reform.

Impact 

The project produced proposed new reimbursement schemes submitted to the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, and demonstrated how payment design choices directly affect both health system financial expenditure and population health outcomes.

The findings make the case that re-imagining payment incentives around value-based care may be essential for GPs to effectively support their patients in using digital models of care.