Long-sought point-of-care testing by GPs ‘inevitable’: Health Minister The goal of timely point-of-care testing in general practice is within reach after Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt described the step as ‘inevitable’ at GP18.
The science of immunisation: Dispelling vaccination myths The Australian Academy of Science has joined with the Department of Health to launch a series of videos, articles and images to promote the benefits, safety and science of immunisation.
Medicare rebates to be reduced for non-VR doctors within five years The Federal Government is changing Medicare rebates for non-vocationally registered doctors who provide general practice services in a bid to encourage more to achieve Fellowship of the RACGP or ACRRM, and more doctors to work outside major cities.
GPs critical of ‘intimidating, unpleasant’ warning letter over opioid prescribing One in five of Australia’s GPs has – or will shortly – received a warning letter over their level of opioid prescribing. Many are not happy.
Government to warn almost 5000 GPs over high rates of opioid prescribing RACGP flags concerns over campaign to reduce opioid overuse.
Helping reduce mental health stigma through Men’s Sheds Following the Federal Government’s recent announcement of a funding injection into Men’s Sheds across Australia, newsGP spoke with a member of the community.
Budget leaves room for improvement in general practice, GP says The Government has committed to meeting the needs of rural and older Australians in the Federal Budget, but there is still much room for improvement in general practice, Dr Edwin Kruys writes.
RACGP recommends options for regulation of schedule 8 prescription opioids The RACGP has made a submission to the Department of Health detailing its proposed options for the regulation of schedule 8 prescription opioid medicines.
Department of Health revises guidance on pathology rents The Department of Health has updated its guidance on prohibited practices in commercial relationships between requesters (ie general practice) and providers of pathology and diagnostic imaging services.
Doubts remain over funding for Health Care Homes trial The Federal Government’s Health Care Homes trial continues despite GP concerns that its funding is inadequate for treating complex chronic disease.