In a letter to GPs, the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy has said that the National Immunisation Program for HPV vaccination will now be a two dose schedule of the 9-valent HPV vaccine Gardisil®9. The new vaccine is now replacing the 4-valent Gardisil vaccine and can be ordered through …
Paediatric asthma surge in February
The National Asthma Council Australia is asking doctors to help their young asthma patients have a great start to the school year by ensuring their healthy return to the classroom. Parents and carers need to be prepared so they and their kids with asthma are confident about managing their asthma …
New data breach legislation is on the horizon
The new Mandatory Data Breach reporting scheme requires organisations to conduct assessments of suspected data breaches and notify individuals likely to be at risk. From 22 February 2018, it will be mandatory for organisations to notify the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). Organisations will need to notify any …
Help your patients get access to the NDIS
To allow the NDIA to determine whether a person meets the disability or early intervention access requirements to join the NDIS, evidence of disability may need to be provided to the NDIA. Evidence of disability includes information on what the disability is, how long it will last and its impact …
Are you ready for the changes to codeine?
All health providers should be aware of the changes to codeine scheduling. From next Thursday, 1 February 2018, patients will need a prescription for all medicines containing codeine. The PHN has developed a new resource to help practices prepare for the codeine changes which are just around the corner. You …
Upgrade your skills with the heart foundation ambassador bursary
The Heart Foundation’s Health Professional Ambassador Program (HPAP) is open to health professionals who wish to update their knowledge, skills and develop the confidence to improve cardiovascular health outcomes in their workplace. Applicants must be a registered Practice Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker or Health …
Join the Integrated Care Alliance
The Integrated Care Alliance is currently seeking new representatives. The alliance was formed to ensure integration occurs from an organisational and system level with the patients at the centre of the health system. Members of the alliance meet bi monthly to work collaboratively on projects that consider the entire patient …
The costs of over the counter codeine misuse revealed
From 1 February 2018 Australians will only be able to purchase codeine with a prescription. The move is aimed at to protect Australians from the risks of codeine and help build more effective pain management strategies for individuals. The misuse of codeine, while a significant risk to individuals, also places …
Cervical screening not recommended for women under 25
According to the Department of Health, under the renewed program, cervical screening is not recommended for women under 25 years. However, pathology laboratories are reporting that a significant number of samples are being submitted from women under 25 years of age. Health providers are being advised that Medicare does not …