Identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have different health profiles from non-Indigenous Australians. They have considerably earlier onset and more severe incidence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and renal disorders. As a result the Australian Government encourages health checks and immunisation at an earlier age. It is important that general practitioners know of the ethnic background of their patients so they can program care according to these recommendations. Patients can go on a reminder system so that they are called up for these services appropriately.

Practices cannot identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders by sight. They must ask all patients for their ethnic background. We are recommending that they use a patient registration form for all new patients. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has provided guidelines for best practice when identifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island patients. This form has been designed to correctly identify this patient group to ensure consistency across the country. Data collected in General Practice is often used in national statistics and it is therefore important to correctly identify patient heritage. Correctly asking the question is as important as correctly recording the responses (see AIHW document attached). This form also covers many other issues relevant to general practice and good primary care. This form avoids offence of any patient group as the question of heritage is grouped with other related demographic information.

Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

Why should I register this information with a general practitioner?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders get some health conditions more frequently or earlier than other Australians
If your GP knows you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander he/she can take special care in looking out for these conditions
Your GP can put a special “flag” on your record to make sure that you are called back to the practice for regular health checks
You are entitled to regular health checks and your identification will help to ensure that you get them
You are often able to get free health services at a younger age than other Australians. This will help make sure that you do not miss out on services that will improve your health

What is involved?

Simply tell your doctor or his/her receptionist that you are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and ask them to record that on their computer. You do not require special proof of your family background.
Tell them about other members of your family who go to the same practice who might also benefit from such identification
Ask your practice to be put on a reminder system for a health check and immunisations if you are eligible
If you are a new patient to a practice you may also be asked to fill in extra information like your address, phone numbers, and the kinds of health problems you have had in the past.

Where does this information go?

Your identification remains with your general practice. It may go to Medicare if you can get extra subsidies. Your GP may pass this information on to hospitals and other health providers if they refer you on to other health workers so that you can get help from Aboriginal Health Workers or other relevant assistance.
It does not go to the police, child protection, housing, the tax office or other government departments.

Updated: June 2010