Federal Government extends cashless debit card trials The Federal Government has passed legislation to extend its cashless debit card trials, adding a new test location despite strong criticism from political opponents.
Ban on direct-to-consumer advertising by after-hours providers welcomed by RACGP RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel told newsGP he is pleased with the news after-hours primary care services would no longer be allowed to employ direct-to-consumer advertising.
Australian mental health spend reaches $9 billion Figures released last week show that Australia’s overall spending on mental health has grown significantly over the past two decades, reflecting GPs’ increasing role in this area of healthcare.
Report on Government Services reveals need to shift from EDs to general practice The Federal Government’s Productivity Commission this week released its 2018 Report on Government Services, which details the performance of health services and provides a snapshot of Australian general practice.
What the new after-hours rebates mean for GPs The Federal Government’s recent changes to Medicare rebates are designed to better reflect the qualifications of doctors providing urgent after-hours care.
RACGP welcomes changes to after-hours care rebates President Dr Bastian Seidel has applauded Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt for heeding the RACGP’s concerns and implementing evidence-based adjustments to after-hours Medicare rebates.
Virtual doctor: Online prescription, referral and medical certificate services Debate continues as to the quality and efficacy of online prescription, referral and medical certificate services.
Mental health encounters on the rise in general practice One out of every eight general practice encounters in 2015–16 was related to an issue of mental health, according to new data released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
RACGP to address Tasmania’s acute care inquiry RACGP Tasmania is calling for increased government support for general practice to ensure the state’s patients have access to the best possible healthcare.
Welfare drug testing pilot halted Federal Government plans to pilot random drug testing of social welfare recipients have been put on hold.