RACGP says GP-specific MBS item for ear toilet not required at present It will soon be harder to claim item 41647, but time-based consultation items should sufficiently cover simpler methods for ear clearing.
Questions over timing as 201 GPs sent ‘please explain’ letter on anaesthetics billing Is now the right time for a new compliance letter as Australia’s GPs prepare for their role in the COVID vaccination push? GPs say no.
Boosting GP stewardship through block funding The MBS is set for a shake-up, with the Review Taskforce recommending more use of block or blended payment models rather than fee-for-service funding.
New MBS tool ‘just what the doctor ordered’ The RACGP’s new interactive resource will make it easier for GPs to navigate the increasingly complex Medicare Benefits Schedule.
RACGP welcomes news telehealth is here to stay The college wants GPs to be ‘front and centre’ in working with the Federal Government on a long-term telehealth service plan.
MBS updates GPs need to know A number of changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule came into effect on 1 November.
Report questioning value of GP referrals draws RACGP fire The college has pushed back against claims that many GP referrals to specialists represent ‘opportunistic rather than purposeful clinical engagement’.
Telehealth pushes bulk-billing to record levels But, average out-of-pocket costs for patients continue to increase.
GPs should still be interpreting ECGs: Cardiac committee chair Confusion over the MBS change continues, as Professor Richard Harper tells newsGP the wording of the controversial new item number ‘could have been better framed’ – and should be formally changed.
Department of Health says ECG interpretation still allowed in ‘bizarre’ claim There is growing confusion over the recent DoH decision to effectively strip GPs of the ability to bill Medicare for the interpretation of ECGs.