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.
Survey feeds concern over costs for GP care A Cleanbill report has indicated falling bulk-billing rates and growing fees for non-concession cardholders – but officials have queried its findings.
MYEFO 2024: What will the impact be for general practice? This year’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook includes updates on funding for chronic disease management, workforce, and mental health.
GPs’ role in gun ownership assessments expands Recent changes mean New South Wales GPs can conduct a health risk assessment to determine a patient’s suitability to possess a firearm, helping authorities ‘make informed decisions’.
President and Premier hit the parkrun trail The SA Premier and Health Minister joined the RACGP President and Adelaide GPs to showcase the benefits of parkrun and encourage social prescribing.
Minister urges GPs to claim bulk billing millions Around $140 million remains ‘on the table’ following the introduction of the tripled bulk-billing incentive last year.
Fines considered to stop ‘weaponised’ complaints AHPRA has accepted 17 Ombudsman recommendations which aim to protect GPs from vexatious complaints ‘made with the intent to cause them harm’.
Spotlight falls on ‘forgotten people’ of mental health care New analysis highlights huge life expectancy gaps for those with severe mental illness – and suggests a funding shortfall of around $8 billion.
‘An excellent change’: Dapagliflozin PBS access expanded The shift to increase access to more type 2 diabetes patients is in line with RACGP recommendations and clinical guidelines.
‘Deeply concerns me’: Original prescriber’s alarm over cannabis trends Medicinal cannabis prescription rates are skyrocketing, with sales in the first half of 2024 almost equal to all of 2023 – but it comes amid mounting concern.