Psychiatrists back GPs’ role in mental health care The President of RANZCP has expressed his appreciation of general practice’s work across ‘the entire spectrum’ of mental health care.
In Practice: New billing resource A new fact sheet has been published to guide GPs on Medicare requirements for bulk billing and charging additional fees to patients.
Vaccine rollout lessons put on hold An Audit Office report contains criticisms of planning and communication but offers few concrete suggestions for improvement.
GP lobbies Health Minister as paediatrics access reaches ‘tipping point’ The issue has been called a nationwide crisis and GPs are calling for more support to help improve outcomes for families.
COVID has had ‘profound’ mental health impact on mothers Many women experiencing mental health issues during lockdowns did not access support from GPs or psychologists, new study findings show.
College partnership to drive women’s GP visits Women’s health checks are playing catch up, and the RACGP is hoping to boost GP visits and screening via an ongoing collaboration.
There’s no safe level of air pollution Emissions that meet air-quality standards cause illness and early death. Planning decisions need to drive down exposure, writes Professor Guy Marks.
Doctors and suicide In this special episode of The Good GP, Dr Sean Stevens speaks with Dr Helen Wilcox and Caroline Morling on doctors mental health and suicide. In memory of Dr Jono Morling, this episode covers the important issue of doctors mental health and suicide. Jono's wife, Caroline, bravely shares Jono's story with the aim of helping other doctors. Resources to assist doctors in need: Doctor's Health Advisory Services provide a confidential, anonymous, 24 hour/7 days a week advice line in each Australian state, staffed by doctors, for doctors and medical students with health or personal problems. You will receive a response from a doctor within 4 hours of a call. Doctor's Health Services: ACT - 02 9437 6552 NT - 08 8366 0250 SA - 08 8366 0250 VIC - 03 9280 8712 NSW - 02 9437 6552 QLD - 07 3833 4352 TAS - 1800 991 997 WA - 08 9321 3098 If it is an emergency and you need to speak to someone immediately then call Lifeline on 131 114.
GPs rebut criticism of mental health care plan oversight Doctors have countered the accusation that GPs are leaving patients’ mental health care plans ‘largely unmonitored'.
Newly diagnosed HIV patients could be under-referred to support As more HIV diagnoses occur in general practice clinics, patient-centred approaches can improve connections to peer-support services.