Regular GP tied to reduced preventable hospitalisations, new data shows
28 Nov 2025
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) this week reported 788,000 potentially preventable hospitalisations (PPH) across 2023–24. These admissions cost the health system an estimated $7.7 billion, an increase of $1.9 billion – or 33% – since 2014–15.
Acute conditions made up more than a third of that cost, with urinary tract infections ($695 million) and cellulitis ($554 million) among the most expensive contributors.
Alongside the new AIHW figures, a University of New South Wales (UNSW) study has provided further evidence that strong continuity of care in general practice can reduce the likelihood of hospitalisation for acute issues.
Published in the Annals of Family Medicine, the research linked more than a decade of information from the Sax Institute’s 45 and Up Study with Medicare and hospital records for 54,376 NSW residents. Researchers found that even modest improvements in a patient’s continuity of care were associated with significantly lower rates of acute PPH.
The greatest benefits were observed among older adults—particularly those aged over 85—and people living with multiple chronic conditions, except hypertension.
The study’s authors estimated that strengthening continuity of care for all high-risk patients could prevent over 11,500 acute hospital admissions each year.
They argue that person-centred primary care models, including integrated care approaches, could play an important role in reducing both hospital demand and overall system costs. They also noted that better continuity does not necessarily translate into higher government spending, pointing to international evidence of Medicare savings in the United States.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the findings reinforce long-standing evidence supporting the value of regular care through a trusted GP.
“This research adds to what we already know—continuity of care helps people stay healthier and out of hospital,” Dr Wright said. “It reduces pressure on emergency departments, improves quality of life, and lowers system-wide costs.”
Dr Wright, whose own PhD explored continuity of care, said the UNSW study strengthens the case for policy reforms that make it easier for patients to access ongoing GP care.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare; University of New South Wales research published in The Annals of Family Medicine.
