The Australian Government is introducing new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item fee arrangements for non-vocationally recognised general practitioners (non-VR GPs). The new arrangements will affect claims for services provided by these doctors from 1 July 2018. The changes will ensure that MBS fees payable reflect recognised levels of expertise, reward …
New hepatitis C treatments achieving incredible results
When the new treatments for chronic hepatitis C were released in 2016 they were touted as a game-changer. Many of us watched with cautious optimism. Would the Department of Health’s expensive gamble to eradicate hepatitis C pay off? The fact is, the new Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs) are achieving incredible …
Ten things you may not know about ENT
Sunshine Coast ENT Surgeon David McIntosh looks at the different things you may not know about ENT surgery. We use robots for surgery. Those ever popular bits of technology are being used by head and neck cancer ENT surgeons. The most relevant type of throat cancer for this technology is …
Item numbers, billing and digital health covered in new webinars
Our PHN have been pleased to commission new webinars for practices in our region, addressing issues like item numbers, MBS billing and maximising revenue. The first two webinars by Katrina Otto from Train IT Medical look at general reports reports to analyse practice billing and to identify ways to minimise …
Latest poll on childhood bullying shows parents need support
Australian parents need more help to address and prevent childhood bullying as research shows one in five report one or more of their children was bullied in the last school term. Almost every parent (89%) of a child who was bullied said the experience had affected the whole family. One …
Have the CHAT with your patients
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbations are the second leading cause of preventable hospitalisations in Australia. Research shows that your patients with COPD are more likely to have an exacerbation (flare-up of symptoms) during the winter months. ‘Have the CHAT’ is Lung Foundation Australia’s COPD exacerbation campaign for primary care …
NAIDOC events coming to Gympie
As NAIDOC week draws near there are a range of celebrations planned for people in the Gympie community. Under the theme – Because of Her, We Can! – NAIDOC Week 2018 will be held nationally from Sunday 8 July and continue through to Sunday 15 July. The theme celebrates the …
Doors officially open on new mental health service
Communities in Rockhampton and Bundaberg have welcomed the official opening of new mental health services. The centres have been funded to improve access to a range of psychological therapies. Clients, carers and health professionals can call 1300 219 658 to speak to a trained health professional who will direct you …
Can your experience improve outcomes in delivering paediatric services?
Children’s Health Queensland is currently developing its health services plan, the Children’s Health and Wellbeing Services Plan 2018-2028 (CHWSP). The CHWSP will identify the key health service directions and strategies for the efficient and effective alignment of Children’s Health Queensland’s services to the needs of our community over the next …
New hepatitis webinar to focus on non-clinical staff
Hepatitis Queensland has launched a new two part webinar series looking at hepatitis C epidemiology, transmission, testing and treatment. The webinars are targeted towards non-clinical alcohol and other drugs workers, social workers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers among others. The first webinar in the series outlines hepatitis …
Nambour General Hospital redevelopment confirmed
In a letter to stakeholders, the Board Chair and Chief Executive have confirmed a multimillion dollar redevelopment of the Nambour General Hospital. Construction on the $86 million project is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2019 and will be completed in December 2022. The redevelopment will deliver: expansion …
GP media training coming to Wide Bay
Communicating with Clarity – GP Media and Communications Training Presented by CCQ with Rowland Communications Health professionals are regularly approached by the media to comment on public health issues – from healthy lifestyle recommendations to outbreaks of infectious disease. In order to communicate effectively during a media interview, health professionals …
Provider applications encouraged for Wide Bay
Health providers across Wide Bay are invited to complete an Expression of Interest and apply to become a provider under the My Health for Life program. My health for Life is a Queensland integrated risk assessment and behaviour modification program that aims to assist participants to reduce their risk of …
Standardised State-wide specialist outpatient referral criteria coming soon
The Queensland Government is standardising referral criteria in order to enable Equitable access Services provided in order of clinical urgency Patient’s ready for care at first specialist appointment The criteria are referred to as Clinical Prioritisation Criteria (CPC) and aim to provide clinical decision support that will help to ensure …
What is your response to ‘digital health’?
For many GPs, the term ‘digital health’ elicits a middle digit response. From My Health Record to electronic referrals, there can be frustration over the point of it all. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The planets are beginning to align. Clinical information produced by various …
Buderim practice wins AGPAL Small Practice of the Year
A Sunshine Coast general practice, based in Buderim has been recognised with the top award for small general practices in this year’s Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL) awards. Steve Jones, a nurse practitioner with Medicrew Buderim said their model of health care had helped them stand out among a …
MBS Item remains available for general practice
In a response to the AMA, the Department of Health have confirmed that GPs will not be prevented from accessing MBS item 30202. The recent recommendations of the MBS Taskforce were misreported on the MBS Taskforce’s website. The website incorrectly reported a change to MBS item 30202, which would have …
safeTALK workshops delivering suicide prevention the Sunshine Coast
Lifeline are delivering a series of workshops across the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay regions and anyone over the age of 17 is invited to attend. The safeTALK workshops provide valuable skills to help individuals keep their friends and family safe from suicide. The workshops provide a safe environment to …
EOI extended to new areas for mental health screening and treatment pilot
Following a significant amount of interest from practices in Central Queensland and Wide Bay an EOI for a mental health trial in general practice has been extended. The PHN is working in partnership with the Black Dog Institute to offer 10 practices in the Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay and Central …
Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service not accepting patient referrals for Wet Macular Degeneration
The Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service is advising that it will continue the current practice of not being able to accept any new Wet Macular Degeneration patient referrals until the 1st of November 2018. The Caloundra ophthalmology unit will continue to see patients which we have already accepted referrals …