GPs protest scrapped pregnancy counselling exemption The RACGP urged the Government to reverse the removal, saying it limits access to care and creates ‘reproductive healthcare deserts’.
Olaparib and anifrolumab added to PBS The treatments for breast cancer and lupus have now been added to the scheme, alongside medicines for leukaemia and insomnia.
COVID telehealth item numbers set to expire next month The Federal Government is planning to remove level C phone rebates for antiviral consultations and scrap the 12-month relationship exemption.
Government provides MyMedicare incentive clarity Practices and practitioners will soon be able to sign up for the new General Practice in Aged Care Incentive ahead of its launch on 1 August.
PBS restrictions placed on diabetes medicines GPs now need to gain additional approval prior to starting patients on all GLP-1 RAs, including semaglutide.
Study questions Paxlovid’s COVID-19 ‘usefulness’ Researchers say the antiviral does little to reduce symptom duration for some vaccinated patients, but still recommended its use for the vulnerable.
‘I am concerned’: Practices warned about patient memberships A new report suggests at least 98 clinics have instituted subscription or membership programs, despite rules against charging out-of-pocket fees as a prerequisite for bulk billing.
Opioid prescriptions are down – but is dependence? While PBS listing revisions have potentially reduced opioid prescriptions, experts say more active treatment is required to reduce harm.
Report shows potential for targeted general practice investment Last year’s incentive and indexation changes are stabilising plummeting bulk billing rates, new data has found, but more is needed to keep practices viable.
GP iron infusions would save health system $124m: RACGP The college is calling on the Government to create a new $200 MBS item to subsidise the procedure, saying it will save patients time and money.