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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
My Health Record opt out date announced
Every Australian will be offered a My Health record, unless they choose not to have one during the three month opt out period that will run from 16 July to 15 October 2018. A pack will be sent to all general practices prior to the opt out commencement, which will …
RACGP releases new mental health support for GPs
The RACGP are encouraging general practitioners and other health professionals to take care of their own physical, mental, emotional and social health and to seek support when required. There are multiple barriers that may prevent health professionals accessing mental health services. However self-care and mental health resources and services specifically …
New toolkit to help you engage with women who are under-screened
Did you know that 80% of Australian women who develop cervical cancer are under screened or have never screened. The Department of Health has developed a new toolkit to assist healthcare providers to engage under-screened and never-screened women in cervical screening, and to support them should they choose to participate. …
New research to explore whole person care
Researchers from The University of Queensland’s Primary Care Clinical Unit are seeking GPs or GP registrars willing to participate in a short interview about their views on and experiences providing “whole person” care. “Whole person care” is a core feature of general practice, however exactly what this involves is not …
Emergency medicine research grant EOIs open
The Emergency Medicine Foundation (EMF) is running a Rural and Remote Research Program grant round, offering up to $50,000 to support a collaborative research project in the field of emergency medicine for the benefit of rural and remote patients within Australia. Further funding for additional grants may be available. Why …
Evidence-based smoking cessation care for pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
The SISTAQUIT research trial aims to improve provision of timely, evidence-based smoking cessation care (SCC) for pregnant Indigenous women attending Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS), General Practices and other health services. The multi-component, culturally appropriate SISTAQUIT intervention is based on RACGP guidelines, and trains multidisciplinary teams (e.g. GPs, Aboriginal Health Workers …
Support available for GPs to manage sexual health
Following the reported case of multi-drug resistant gonorrhoea in Queensland last month, all GPs are being urged to contact their local Sexual Health Service if they suspect a patient may present with vaginal or urethral discharge. Drug-resistant gonorrhoea exists in many countries, including Australia. However, these latest cases and a …
What is the impact of the media on the incidence of suicide?
Clinicians are invited to attend a free presentation on the effects of of media with suicidal content in the past and present. You can download the invitation here. Why does media portrayal of suicide matter? Internationally, there is consistent evidence for the negative impact of detailed and graphic portrayals of …
Find the services you need in one place
Parents, young people and families in Queensland who are going through tough times can find local services or support through a free online directory. oneplace is an, online community services directory which can help people find support in their local area. This could be as simple as finding a mother’s …