Survey feeds concern over costs for GP care A Cleanbill report has indicated falling bulk-billing rates and growing fees for non-concession cardholders – but officials have queried its findings.
Concern psychiatrist walk-out will trigger mental health crisis How will the mass resignation of 200 public health psychiatrists in NSW affect GPs already managing high demand for mental health consults?
‘Promising’ new statistical tool predicts dementia onset Early research shows the model can predict onset more accurately than similar tools, with hopes it will give patients more time to make decisions.
Japanese encephalitis virus spreads to new areas With the virus detected in NSW and Victoria and the season’s first human case, GPs should be prepared for patients asking about protection.
Grants entice 400 graduates into general practice Two thirds of applicants said the $40,000 Victorian Government grants influenced their decision to enrol in GP training in the state.
HealthLink pauses fee rollout The introduction of new costs for GPs to use HealthLink has been put on hold with the provider saying it will ‘undergo a period of consultation’.
Quetiapine shortage ‘frankly unacceptable’ Some doses of the antipsychotic medication could be in shortage until July, leaving both patients and GPs ‘alarmed’.
Expansion of physician assistants considered The Queensland Health boss says he is ‘exploring opportunities to grow our traditional workforce’ but this has sparked GPs’ concern over scope of practice changes.
Should Australia be worried about HMPV? As cases of human metapneumovirus surge overseas, what do Australian GPs need to know when concerned patients walk through their door?
In Practice: Register now for the Clinical Update The RACGP conference will be held on the Gold Coast in February, with this year’s theme focussing on the future of healthcare.