Despite international consensus regarding the judicious use of diagnostic spinal imaging, patients continue to be over-referred.

Beliefs about the usefulness of initiatives to reduce opioid prescribing in clinical practice and autonomy in prescribing may be important considerations in driving compliance.

Although not all women undergoing mastectomy will desire or choose breast reconstruction, it is important that all women have the opportunity to make an informed choice.

Regular contraceptive review should take account of the fact that women’s reasons for use may shift between contraceptive and non-contraceptive purposes.

An updated overview of Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, including epidemiology, risk factors for infection, spectrum of clinical disease, diagnosis and management.

Effective clinical triage of referrals relies on provision of adequate clinical information (‘red flags’) and investigations.

To prevent heat-related disease, GPs need to work across prevention levels to mitigate climate change, recognise vulnerable patients, and work with these patients to plan management strategies.

Prescribing drugs to reduce the risk of cancer is a new development in primary cancer prevention.

Syphilis is a great mimicker and should not be forgotten as a differential diagnosis of erythematous scaly rashes.

Diagnosis of PCOS in an Aboriginal primary care setting is being performed correctly and at a young age; however, subsequent screening of cardiometabolic risk and emotional wellbeing needs more work.

The pathways developed in Moree, NSW, illustrate the importance and impact of community ownership and leadership for effective delivery of a public health intervention.

To ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are vaccinated it is essential to engage, work and consult with and listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

This fourth article in a series on communicable disease outbreaks introduces the larger legislative, executive and social framework within which health protection takes place.