Medicine reforms save patients $250 million: Health Minister The past 12 months have brought a raft of changes to 60-day dispensing, the PBS, and bulk billing, but the sector is still crying out for funding.
ADHD medications linked to heart conditions A new study has found patients using long-term treatments are slightly more likely to develop hypertension or arterial disease, but experts say the risk is worth the reward.
Plea for psychedelic rules reform A new coalition of healthcare professionals wants a review of ‘overly restrictive’ prescribing guidelines, but a GP expert says changes must be done ‘slowly and carefully’.
New chronic cough advice ‘well worth bookmarking’ A ‘comprehensive’ update to chronic cough advice suggests child‐specific management will improve clinical outcomes.
‘Expansive’ perinatal mental health care guidance released Clinical practice guidelines have been revised to ensure new and expecting parents receive appropriate care and regular screening.
New COVID-19 vaccines to be ‘preferred’ option The vaccines, which target the XBB.1.5 Omicron variant, were approved by the TGA and will be available in Australia from next month.
Private opioid dependence scripts extended The Government will allow GPs to continue issuing private prescriptions until June next year, but the RACGP is calling for a permanent solution.
GPs’ role in early detection of oral cancer now easier A new CPD activity aims to upskill GPs in prevention counselling, early identification and referral pathways for the cancer.
Could more hospital outpatients be discharged to GPs earlier? According to new research, hospital specialists say 20–60% of patients seen in their outpatient clinics could be managed in primary care.
Respiratory-related antimicrobial prescribing ‘too high’: AURA 2023 Hundreds of Australians die each year due to drug-resistant infections exacerbated by antimicrobial overuse, according to the ACSQHC.