Wegovy approved for cutting cardiovascular disease risk The TGA has approved semaglutide (sold as Wegovy) as an adjunct to standard of care therapy to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in overweight and obese adults.
Most GPs discover medication shortages through patients: Poll A new survey highlights the urgency of improving measures to communicate supply chain disruptions, with patients increasingly feeling an impact.
Dire 60-day script predictions fail to materialise As well as saving patients money, more pharmacies have opened than have closed since the policy first came into effect in September 2023.
PBS co-payment freeze rolls out In 2025, the maximum patient cost for all PBS medicines will remain the same as in 2024 instead of increasing with indexation.
DoHAC details vitamin B12 testing changes The Department has further revealed what will change when it amends vitamin B12 testing and urine examination MBS items next year.
Calls to delay changes to B12 testing Potential changes to item descriptors, fees and claim frequencies are scheduled for July, but doctors are calling for further consultation, saying ‘additional red tape for GPs should be avoided’.
Medicare watchdog repayments soar by $10m The PSR recouped $32 million from negotiated agreements and determinations last year, often through doctors’ ‘lack of clinical input and poor record keeping’.
Final Review of General Practice Incentives report revealed It recommends a suite of changes which, if accepted, would see GPs’ incentives undergo a major shakeup, including a new payment architecture and a shift in the foundation of general practice.
GP incentives review ‘nothing but disrespectful’ The RACGP President lashed out at its recommended new payment architecture, saying it ignores GPs’ advice and devalues the profession.
Sweeping change needed amid ‘diabetes epidemic’: Inquiry The RACGP says prevention is key, as Medicare reform, bolstered rural access, sugar taxes, and CGM subsidies were all recommended.