poll

newsGP weekly poll: Help us help Australia’s GPs

Each week, newsGP will canvas GP views on a range of topics, from hot button medical issues to the way the college engages with membership.

Vote now.

newsGP weekly poll Is climate change impacting the health of your patients?


newsGP weekly poll 11–18 March 2024 (Votes: 982)
newsGP weekly poll Are you confident about helping patients to wean off antidepressants? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
77%
No
 
7%
Only sometimes
 
15%


newsGP weekly poll 4–11 March 2024 (Votes: 923)
newsGP weekly poll What is the most pressing women’s health concern in Australia? The poll is closed.
Dementia
 
7%
Menopause/perimenopause
 
20%
Reproductive health
 
8%
Endometriosis
 
10%
Mental health
 
43%
Long COVID
 
2%
Other
 
7%


newsGP weekly poll 26 February – 4 March 2024 (Votes: 752)
newsGP weekly poll What area of medicine do you find most difficult to stay across the changing clinical evidence? The poll is closed.
PSA testing
 
14%
MS-2 Step
 
6%
Smoking/vaping cessation
 
20%
COVID-19
 
24%
Preventive health
 
14%
Other
 
20%


newsGP weekly poll 19–26 February 2024 (Votes: 686)
newsGP weekly poll What do you think would be the greatest benefit of having more Australian general practice-based research? The poll is closed.
Stronger evidence base for clinical decisions
 
68%
Better information to provide to patients
 
11%
More career opportunities for GPs to develop within general practice
 
13%
Other
 
7%


newsGP weekly poll 12–19 February 2024 (Votes: 1094)
newsGP weekly poll What kind of embedded allied health professional would most benefit your practice and patients? The poll is closed.
Pharmacist
 
11%
Psychologist
 
57%
Occupational therapist
 
4%
Diabetes educator
 
11%
Other
 
15%


newsGP weekly poll 5–12 February 2024 (Votes: 1479)
newsGP weekly poll When patients present with a mental health concern, do you use the Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST)? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
2%
No
 
62%
No, as I don’t have enough information
 
35%


newsGP weekly poll 29 January – 5 February 2024 (Votes: 581)
newsGP weekly poll How many patients in your practice would benefit from access to subsidised children’s health checks in first 2000 days? The poll is closed.
None
 
18%
1–50
 
20%
50–100
 
13%
More than 100
 
47%


newsGP weekly poll 22–29 January 2024 (Votes: 706)
newsGP weekly poll Are the 2024 Medicare Safety Net thresholds set too high to benefit patients? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
66%
No
 
16%
Unsure
 
16%


newsGP weekly poll 15–22 January 2024 (Votes: 1027)
newsGP weekly poll Have you upgraded infection control in response to the JN.1 COVID wave? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
19%
No
 
73%
Unsure
 
7%


newsGP weekly poll 8–15 January 2024 (Votes: 1449)
newsGP weekly poll Do you think the end of specific MBS item numbers for smoking cessation will impact patient care? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
30%
No
 
60%
Unsure
 
9%


newsGP end-of-year poll 18 December 2023 – 8 January 2024 (Votes: 1213)
newsGP end-of-year poll How do you feel about the coming year in general practice? The poll is closed.
Optimistic
 
18%
Pessimistic
 
54%
Unsure
 
27%


newsGP weekly poll 11–18 December 2023 (Votes: 935)
newsGP weekly poll Are you confident about how to find information on Medicare requirements and billing? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
13%
No
 
76%
Unsure
 
10%


newsGP weekly poll 4–11 December 2023 (Votes: 526)
newsGP weekly poll Should the RACGP continue with Convocation? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
51%
No
 
18%
Unsure
 
29%


newsGP weekly poll 27 November – 4 December 2023 (Votes: 859)
newsGP weekly poll Do you feel well equipped to recognise and support patients with eating disorders? The poll is closed.
Yes, completely
 
15%
Not at all
 
26%
I need more training in this space
 
57%


newsGP weekly poll 20–27 November 2023 (Votes: 1654)
newsGP weekly poll If properly supported with funding and training, would you feel comfortable initiating ADHD medication prescriptions? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
45%
No
 
46%
Unsure
 
8%


newsGP weekly poll 13–20 November 2023 (Votes: 1270)
newsGP weekly poll Has your local pharmacy actively discouraged you or your patients from implementing 60-day prescriptions? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
54%
No
 
36%
Unsure
 
9%


newsGP weekly poll 6–13 November 2023 (Votes: 1305)
newsGP weekly poll Should an independent statutory authority be responsible for setting Medicare rebates? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
81%
No
 
5%
Unsure
 
12%


newsGP weekly poll 30 October – 6 November 2023 (Votes: 1685)
newsGP weekly poll Is your practice changing its billing approach this week, with the start of tripled bulk billing incentives? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
16%
No
 
72%
Unsure
 
10%


newsGP weekly poll 23–30 October 2023 (Votes: 640)

newsGP weekly poll Do you think the latest round of compliance activity represented an improvement on previous campaigns? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
9%
No
 
62%
Unsure
 
28%


newsGP weekly poll 16–23 October 2023 (Votes: 1014)
newsGP weekly poll Do you find the general practice incentive programs administratively burdensome? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
87%
No
 
6%
Unsure
 
6%


newsGP weekly poll 9–16 October 2023 (Votes: 1016)
newsGP weekly poll Has your practice signed up to MyMedicare yet? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
45%
No
 
36%
Unsure
 
17%


newsGP weekly poll 2–9 October 2023 (Votes: 2627)
newsGP weekly poll Will additional bulk billing red tape make you more likely to privately bill telehealth consultations? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
93%
No
 
3%
Unsure
 
3%


newsGP weekly poll 25 September – 2 October 2023 (Votes: 1030)
newsGP weekly poll Are most of your patients choosing to receive 60-day prescriptions, if given the opportunity? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
72%
No
 
16%
Unsure
 
10%


newsGP weekly poll 18–25 September 2023 (Votes: 1003)
newsGP weekly poll Is your practice at risk of closing in the next 12 months? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
34%
No
 
44%
Unsure
 
21%


newsGP weekly poll 11–18 September 2023 (Votes: 405)
newsGP weekly poll What sessions would you most like to attend at the upcoming WONCA conference? The poll is closed.
Workforce solutions
 
6%
International models of care
 
8%
General practice training
 
8%
Clinical workshops
 
40%
Health system reforms
 
29%
Other
 
7%


newsGP weekly poll 4–11 September 2023 (Votes: 1122)
newsGP weekly poll Would you consider moving interstate for favourable payroll tax settings? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
35%
No
 
52%
Unsure
 
11%


newsGP weekly poll 28 August – 4 September 2023 (Votes: 1143)
newsGP weekly poll Is there room to expand GPs’ scope of practice? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
72%
No
 
15%
Unsure
 
11%


newsGP weekly poll 21–28 August 2023 (Votes: 1543)
newsGP weekly poll Would the imposition of payroll tax change your fee for a standard consultation? The poll is closed.
No
 
6%
Increase by $5–10
 
9%
Increase by $10–20
 
27%
Increase by more than $20
 
56%


newsGP weekly poll 14–21 August 2023 (Votes: 2093)
newsGP weekly poll Do you feel more positive about the future of general practice compared to a year ago? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
6%
No
 
85%
Unsure
 
8%


newsGP weekly poll 7–14 August 2023 (Votes: 1072)
newsGP weekly poll How busy is your clinic compared to 12 months ago? The poll is closed.
Busier
 
44%
About the same
 
27%
Less busy
 
27%


newsGP weekly poll 31 July – 7 August 2023 (Votes: 782)
newsGP weekly poll Will the MS-Step 2 changes encourage you to undertake training to prescribe the medications? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
30%
No
 
52%
Unsure
 
17%


newsGP weekly poll 24–31 July 2023 (Votes: 690)
newsGP weekly poll When an interpreter is required, what resource do you most often use? The poll is closed.
In-person interpreter
 
8%
Phone interpreter
 
41%
Online translation services
 
7%
Family member
 
40%
Other
 
2%


newsGP weekly poll 17–24 July 2023 (Votes: 928)
newsGP weekly poll Do you feel comfortable discussing weight issues with patients? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
73%
No
 
5%
Depends on the context
 
21%


newsGP weekly poll 10–17 July 2023 (Votes: 953)
newsGP weekly poll Would you feel confident certifying appropriate patients with diabetes for access to continuous glucose monitoring devices? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
71%
No
 
17%
Unsure
 
11%


newsGP weekly poll 3–10 July 2023 (Votes: 873)
newsGP weekly poll Have you had patients ask about psychedelic mental health therapy? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
24%
No
 
75%


newsGP weekly poll 26 June – 3 July 2023 (Votes: 1428)
newsGP weekly poll Did you experience attitudes denigrating general practice during your medical studies? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
86%
No
 
13%


newsGP weekly poll 19–26 June 2023 (Votes: 886)
newsGP weekly poll Do you think the hospital discharge sheet should be reframed as a clinical handover? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
79%
No
 
11%
Unsure
 
9%


newsGP weekly poll 12–19 June 2023 (Votes: 1260)
newsGP weekly poll In the medical profession, we often hear of the importance of having your own GP. As a doctor, do you follow that advice? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
77%
No
 
22%


newsGP weekly poll 5–12 June 2023 (Votes: 1629)
newsGP weekly poll As a GP, would you support tighter regulation on advertising from harmful industries, such as junk food, alcohol, gambling and fossil fuels? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
89%
No
 
7%
Unsure
 
2%


newsGP weekly poll 29 May – 5 June 2023 (Votes: 1146)
newsGP weekly poll Have you noticed an increase in the number of patients seeking gender-affirming care? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
35%
No
 
57%
Unsure
 
6%


newsGP weekly poll 22–29 May 2023 (Votes: 1598)
newsGP weekly poll Will you bulk bill more patients as a result of this year’s Budget? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
18%
No
 
70%
Unsure
 
11%


newsGP weekly poll 15–22 May 2023 (Votes: 1001)
newsGP weekly poll Which Budget measure will have the most impact on you as a GP? The poll is closed.
Greater MBS rebate indexation
 
27%
Tripling of the bulk billing incentive
 
54%
Increase to the WIP
 
4%
New Level E consultations
 
7%
Other
 
5%


newsGP weekly poll 8–15 May 2023 (Votes: 1233)
newsGP weekly poll How do you feel about the future of artificial intelligence in medicine? The poll is closed.
Optimistic
 
26%
Concerned
 
48%
Unsure
 
24%


newsGP weekly poll 1–8 May 2023 (Votes: 1408)
newsGP weekly poll Should there be restrictions on the PBS-listed medicines that a GP can prescribe? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
24%
No
 
68%
Unsure
 
7%

newsGP weekly poll 24 April – 1 May 2023 (Votes: 1222)

newsGP weekly poll Should the minimum age of criminal responsibility be raised to at least 14 years? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
56%
No
 
33%
Unsure
 
10%


newsGP weekly poll 17–24 April 2023 (Votes: 1052)
newsGP weekly poll What measure would most encourage you to increase your bulk billing rate? The poll is closed.
Higher bulk billing incentive
 
15%
Increased Medicare rebates
 
71%
Relaxed co-claiming rules
 
8%
Other
 
4%


newsGP weekly poll 10–17 April 2023 (Votes: 586)
newsGP weekly poll Do you think government health authorities provide fair adjudication for GPs whose patients access the MBS? The poll is closed.
Strongly agree
 
1%
Agree
 
2%
Neutral
 
9%
Disagree
 
32%
Strongly disagree
 
54%


newsGP weekly poll 3–10 April 2023 (Votes: 1316)
newsGP weekly poll Should Media Watch investigate last year’s Medicare ‘rorts’ coverage? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
91%
No
 
8%


newsGP weekly poll 27 March – 3 April 2023 (Votes: 1443)
newsGP weekly poll Have you noticed a shift in patient sentiment towards paying for general practice care? The poll is closed.
Yes. Most patients understand that rebates do not cover costs
 
41%
No. Most still believe they should not have to pay
 
51%
Unsure
 
7%


newsGP weekly poll 20–27 March 2023 (Votes: 1074)
newsGP weekly poll Do you think your patients would benefit from doubling dispensing times to 60 days? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
85%
No
 
9%
Unsure
 
4%


newsGP weekly poll 13–20 March 2023 (Votes: 989)
newsGP weekly poll What is the average wait time for a psychiatrist in your area? The poll is closed.
More than a year
 
3%
6-12 months
 
34%
Less than six months
 
17%
Referrals are rejected
 
44%


newsGP weekly poll 6–13 March 2023 (Votes: 1453)
newsGP weekly poll In the past 12 months, have you noticed a difference in patients requesting referral for an ADHD diagnosis? The poll is closed.
Yes, a substantial increase
 
78%
Yes, a small increase
 
16%
Yes, a decrease
 
0%
Unchanged
 
5%


newsGP weekly poll 27 February–6 March 2023 (Votes: 977)
newsGP weekly poll Is your practice still offering COVID-19 vaccinations? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
59%
No
 
40%


newsGP weekly poll 20–27 February 2023 (Votes: 850)
newsGP weekly poll How have your patients with diabetes fared without semaglutide? The poll is closed.
Their condition has improved
 
4%
Their condition has worsened
 
64%
They are stable on alternate medication
 
23%
They were not prescribed semaglutide prior to the shortage
 
7%


newsGP weekly poll 13–20 February 2023 (Votes: 1290)
newsGP weekly poll Have you ever been subjected to what you felt was a vexatious complaint? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
80%
No
 
19%


newsGP weekly poll 6–13 February 2023 (Votes: 1318)
newsGP weekly poll As a GP, what was your main reaction to the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce report? The poll is closed.
A positive start
 
4%
Not enough detail
 
19%
Where are the rebate rises?
 
64%
Other
 
10%


newsGP weekly poll 30 January – 6 February 2023 (Votes: 800)
newsGP weekly poll Should urgent care centres have their own set of nationalised clinical standards? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
61%
No
 
21%
Unsure
 
16%


newsGP weekly poll 23–30 January 2023 (Votes: 1652)
newsGP weekly poll What would patients benefit from more? The poll is closed.
Greater access to multidisciplinary allied health teams
 
8%
A well-funded voluntary patient enrolment scheme
 
4%
Increased Medicare rebates
 
43%
Boosting the GP workforce
 
20%
Tripling the bulk billing incentive
 
19%
Other
 
2%


newsGP weekly poll 16–23 January 2023 (Votes: 1860)
newsGP weekly poll If bulk billing incentives were tripled, would it change the way you bill eligible patients? The poll is closed.
No, I would continue to privately bill
 
38%
Yes, I would start bulk billing
 
46%
No, I already bulk bill
 
15%


newsGP weekly poll 9–16 January 2023 (Votes: 1297)
newsGP weekly poll How would you respond should tenant doctors become liable for payroll tax? The poll is closed.
Increase fees
 
78%
Absorb the cost
 
3%
Close the clinic
 
18%


newsGP end-of-year poll 19–31 December 2022 (Votes: 1241)
newsGP end-of-year poll What has placed the most pressure on your work as a GP this year? The poll is closed.
Medication supply issues
 
2%
Business sustainability
 
17%
Excessive red tape/paperwork
 
21%
Patient workload
 
13%
Increasingly complex presentations
 
24%
Staff shortages
 
10%
COVID-19
 
6%
Other
 
3%


newsGP weekly poll 12–19 December 2022 (Votes: 1113)
newsGP weekly poll What percentage of your consultations with patients living with overweight/obesity take more than 20 minutes? The poll is closed.
Less than 25%
 
11%
Around 50%
 
28%
More than 75%
 
60%


newsGP weekly poll 5–12 December 2022 (Votes: 1437)
newsGP weekly poll How do you use PBS authorities? The poll is closed.
Online
 
25%
Via phone
 
73%
Via post
 
0%


newsGP weekly poll 28 November – 5 December 2022 (Votes: 992)
newsGP weekly poll Which White Paper reform do you think would have the greatest impact on the future of general practice? The poll is closed.
An immediate 20% increase to general practice Medicare rebates
 
54%
Reducing red tape, including simplifying Medicare
 
9%
Tripling the bulk-billing incentive
 
13%
Regular indexation of rebates and other general practice payments
 
14%
Developing an overarching data strategy
 
1%
Re-introducing a program of junior doctor placements
 
5%


newsGP weekly poll 21–28 November 2022 (Votes: 714)
newsGP weekly poll Compared to the BA.5 wave in July, is the current spate of COVID-19 cases having more or less of an impact on your general practice? The poll is closed.
More
 
13%
Less
 
49%
About the same
 
36%


newsGP weekly poll 14–21 November 2022 (Votes: 899)
newsGP weekly poll How often do you refer to RACGP clinical guidelines? The poll is closed.
At least daily
 
6%
Once a week or more
 
15%
A few times per month
 
21%
Rarely
 
56%


newsGP weekly poll 7–14 November 2022 (Votes: 1705)
newsGP weekly poll Do you think AHPRA’s processes for dealing with vexatious complaints are working effectively? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
1%
No
 
81%
Don’t know
 
17%


newsGP weekly poll 31 October – 7 November 2022 (Votes: 902)
newsGP weekly poll How frequently are you being contacted by type 2 diabetes patients who are unable to access their prescribed medication? The poll is closed.
At least once per day
 
18%
More than once per week
 
36%
A few times per month
 
33%
Not at all
 
11%


newsGP weekly poll 24–31 October 2022 (Votes: 1425)
newsGP weekly poll What proportion of your income do you lose each year due to under-billing? The poll is closed.
None
 
2%
Up to 10%
 
13%
Between 10–20%
 
33%
More than 20%
 
49%


newsGP weekly poll 17–24 October 2022 (Votes: 3344)
newsGP weekly poll Do you believe doctors are rorting ‘billions of dollars’ from Medicare each year? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
11%
No
 
79%
Don’t know
 
8%


newsGP weekly poll 10–17 October 2022 (Votes: 1072)
newsGP weekly poll How prepared do you feel for the upcoming 2023 CPD changes? The poll is closed.
Very prepared
 
2%
Somewhat prepared
 
7%
Somewhat unprepared
 
13%
Very unprepared
 
57%
Unsure
 
18%


newsGP weekly poll 3–10 October 2022 (Votes: 1875)
newsGP weekly poll How concerned are you about the removal of mandatory COVID isolation requirements? The poll is closed.
Not at all concerned
 
26%
Somewhat concerned
 
19%
Very concerned
 
54%


newsGP weekly poll 26 September – 3 October 2022 (Votes: 1021)
newsGP weekly poll Have you been subjected to patient violence during your work as a GP? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
70%
No
 
29%


newsGP weekly poll 19–26 September 2022 (Votes: 1297)
newsGP weekly poll Do you think the closure of NPS MedicineWise will negatively impact the safe use of medicine in Australia? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
77%
No
 
14%
Not sure
 
8%


newsGP weekly poll 12–19 September 2022 (Votes: 961)
newsGP weekly poll What is your main source of income outside of Medicare and private billing? The poll is closed.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs funding
 
9%
Workers’ compensation
 
24%
Grant funding
 
1%
Practice Incentive Program payments
 
15%
Other employment
 
48%


newsGP weekly poll 5–12 September 2022 (Votes: 1494)
newsGP weekly poll What proportion of your antenatal care appointments last longer than 20 minutes? The poll is closed.
More than 75%
 
58%
Between 50–75%
 
23%
Between 25–50%
 
9%
Less than 25%
 
8%


newsGP weekly poll 29 August – 5 September 2022 (Votes: 676)
newsGP weekly poll What proportion of eligible patients have made use of expanded access to self-collection for cervical cancer screening? The poll is closed.
The majority have participated
 
8%
Around half have participated
 
3%
Less than half have participated
 
20%
None have participated
 
67%


newsGP weekly poll 22–29 August 2022 (Votes: 1355)
newsGP weekly poll Have you been asked to provide a named referral for a patient to be seen in a public hospital outpatient clinic? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
91%
No
 
8%


newsGP weekly poll 15–22 August 2022 (Votes: 1615)
newsGP weekly poll Do you think you will be privately billing more or fewer patients in 12 months’ time? The poll is closed.
Privately billing more
 
84%
Privately billing fewer
 
2%
About the same as now
 
10%
Unsure
 
2%


newsGP weekly poll 8–15 August 2022 (Votes: 951)
newsGP weekly poll Which of the RACGP’s 2022 Advocacy Priorities would most benefit your practice? The poll is closed.
Reintroducing rebates for longer telephone consultations
 
11%
Funding to strengthen rural healthcare
 
12%
Increased Medicare rebates for longer appointments
 
64%
Introducing funding for a GP follow-up within seven days of hospital admission
 
10%


newsGP weekly poll 1–8 August 2022 (Votes: 789)
newsGP weekly poll How often are you altering your preferred prescriptions due to the ongoing medicines shortage? The poll is closed.
At least once per day
 
14%
Weekly
 
39%
At least once per month
 
25%
Rarely or not at all
 
20%


newsGP weekly poll 25 July – 1 August 2022 (Votes: 977)
newsGP weekly poll Do you think the decision to automatically classify MM2 as a Distribution Priority Area (DPA) will help with current workforce challenges? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
24%
No
 
61%
Unsure
 
14%


newsGP weekly poll 18–25 July 2022 (Votes: 1598)
newsGP weekly poll Which patients should be able to access Medicare rebates for longer telephone consultations (>20 minutes)? The poll is closed.
All patients
 
79%
Patients unable to access face-to-face or video consultations
 
14%
Only patients eligible for COVID-19 antivirals
 
3%
None
 
1%


newsGP weekly poll 11–18 July 2022 (Votes: 1025)
newsGP weekly poll How frequently do you provide mental health consultations? The poll is closed.
At least once per day
 
83%
Weekly
 
11%
Rarely
 
1%
Never
 
2%


newsGP weekly poll 4–11 July 2022 (Votes: 1103)
newsGP weekly poll What do you think MBS indexation for the 2022–23 financial year should have been? The poll is closed.
1.6%
 
2%
5%
 
15%
Between 5–10%
 
27%
More than 10%
 
54%


newsGP weekly poll 27 June – 4 July 2022 (Votes: 788)
newsGP weekly poll Have any of your patients had issues accessing COVID antivirals (via the PBS) after you have prescribed them? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
23%
No
 
38%
I haven’t prescribed any
 
37%


newsGP weekly poll 20–27 June 2022 (Votes: 886)
newsGP weekly poll When is your next available patient appointment? The poll is closed.
Today
 
18%
Sometime this week
 
26%
In 1–2 weeks
 
28%
More than two weeks away
 
26%


newsGP weekly poll 13–20 June 2022 (Votes: 803)
newsGP weekly poll How often do you find something clinically useful when checking a patient’s My Health Record? The poll is closed.
Frequently
 
17%
Around half the time
 
21%
Rarely
 
38%
Never
 
22%


newsGP weekly poll 6–13 June 2022 (Votes: 638)
newsGP weekly poll Will your practice be administering free flu vaccinations outside of those eligible for the NIP? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
83%
No
 
9%
Unsure
 
5%
Ineligible
 
1%


newsGP weekly poll 30 May – 6 June 2022 (Votes: 1805)
newsGP weekly poll Should healthcare workers have the option of receiving a winter COVID booster vaccine? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
84%
No
 
7%
Only those conducting face-to-face consultations
 
5%
Only if doses will otherwise go to waste
 
1%


newsGP weekly poll 23–30 May 2022 (Votes: 1509)
newsGP weekly poll What impact do you think the Federal Election result will have on general practice? The poll is closed.
Positive
 
34%
Negative
 
20%
No impact
 
22%
Unsure
 
22%


newsGP weekly poll 16–23 May 2022 (Votes: 1481)
newsGP weekly poll What are appropriate public health measures should COVID cases spike and the healthcare system be placed under further pressure? The poll is closed.
Reinstitution of public mask mandates
 
30%
Mask mandates and density limits
 
39%
All of the above, plus a return to lockdown
 
11%
The current policy settings are sufficient
 
18%


newsGP weekly poll 9–16 May 2022 (Votes: 560)
newsGP weekly poll What level of uptake has your practice had for seasonal flu vaccinations to date? The poll is closed.
More than previous years
 
20%
Similar to previous years
 
50%
Less than previous years
 
22%
Unsure
 
5%


newsGP weekly poll 2–9 May 2022 (Votes: 328)
newsGP weekly poll What clinical aid tools do you use during day-to-day practice to automate repetitive tasks? The poll is closed.
Macro-enabled hardware
 
2%
Macro-enabled software
 
26%
Both
 
15%
Neither
 
56%


newsGP weekly poll 25 April – 2 May 2022 (Votes: 265)
newsGP weekly poll What proportion of your practice’s COVID vaccines are currently being thrown away? The poll is closed.
Less than 25%
 
48%
Between 25–50%
 
27%
Between 50–75%
 
10%
More than 75%
 
13%


newsGP weekly poll 18–25 April 2022 (Votes: 945)
newsGP weekly poll Which of the RACGP’s Federal Election priorities do you think is most important? The poll is closed.
Increased Medicare rebates for patients who need longer appointments
 
48%
Retain rebates for telephone consultations
 
32%
Introduce a GP follow-up appointment within seven days of a hospital admission or ED visit
 
3%
Strengthen rural healthcare
 
16%


newsGP weekly poll 11–18 April 2022 (Votes: 720)
newsGP weekly poll How often do you see patients who fit the criteria for oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19? The poll is closed.
At least once per day
 
7%
At least once per week
 
14%
At least once per month
 
19%
I have not seen any
 
59%


newsGP weekly poll 4–11 April 2022 (Votes: 1010)
newsGP weekly poll What was your response to the level of general practice funding contained in this year’s Federal Budget? The poll is closed.
Highly satisfied
 
4%
Satisfied
 
3%
Dissatisfied
 
15%
Extremely dissatisfied
 
76%


newsGP weekly poll 28 March – 4 April 2022 (Votes: 663)
newsGP weekly poll How often do you encounter victim-survivors of domestic and family violence during consultations? The poll is closed.
At least once per week
 
36%
At least once per month
 
23%
Rarely
 
32%
Never
 
7%


newsGP weekly poll 21–28 March 2022 (Votes: 1004)
newsGP weekly poll Would your practice consider introducing mixed billing? The poll is closed.
We already fully privately or mix bill
 
60%
Yes
 
24%
No
 
8%
Unsure
 
5%


newsGP weekly poll 14–21 March 2022 (Votes: 665)
newsGP weekly poll What is needed to increase the pace of the paediatric COVID vaccination rollout? The poll is closed.
Enhanced public health messaging and advertising
 
25%
Increased Medicare rebates to encourage uptake among general practices
 
10%
In-reach clinics at schools
 
48%
Support for pop-up clinics at convenient times and locations
 
15%


newsGP weekly poll 7–14 March 2022 (Votes: 1502)
newsGP weekly poll As a GP, do you support the decriminalisation of illicit drug use? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
34%
No
 
40%
Only certain drugs
 
19%
Only in specific circumstances
 
5%


newsGP weekly poll 1–7 March 2022 (Votes: 1165)
newsGP weekly poll What is the most pressing change needed in general practice to better serve Australian women? The poll is closed.
More female GPs
 
7%
Increased Medicare remuneration for long consultations
 
65%
Better access to sexual and reproductive health services
 
14%
Enhanced preventive screening programs
 
12%


newsGP weekly poll 21–28 February 2022 (Votes: 732)
newsGP weekly poll Do you intend to make changes to your clinical practice in the next year? The poll is closed.
No, hours and services will remain the same
 
40%
Yes, I plan to reduce my hours
 
36%
Yes, I will look for non-clinical work
 
11%
Yes, I will retire
 
10%


newsGP weekly poll 14–21 February 2022 (Votes: 705)
newsGP weekly poll Has your practice signed up to administer Novavax? The poll is closed.
Yes, and we have already received our first shipment
 
8%
Yes, and we expect delivery by 21 February
 
16%
No, we are waiting to see if there is demand
 
17%
No, and we are unlikely to take part
 
57%


newsGP weekly poll 7–14 February 2022 (Votes: 1881)
newsGP weekly poll Have you experienced any negative impact on your own wellbeing as a result of COVID-19? The poll is closed.
No
 
17%
Yes, my physical health has deteriorated
 
16%
Yes, my mental health has deteriorated
 
31%
Yes, my work/life balance has deteriorated
 
35%


newsGP weekly poll 31 January – 7 February 2022 (Votes: 1350)
newsGP weekly poll How would you describe your practice’s current level of access to rapid antigen tests? The poll is closed.
Inadequate
 
80%
Uncertain
 
10%
Sufficient
 
5%
High
 
3%


newsGP weekly poll 24–31 January 2022 (Votes: 3393)
newsGP weekly poll As a GP, do you think pharmacists should be allowed to prescribe antibiotics? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
7%
No
 
72%
If they have undergone training
 
13%
Only for certain conditions
 
6%


newsGP weekly poll 17–24 January 2022 (Votes: 1176)
newsGP weekly poll As a GP, have you had to be furloughed during the Omicron wave due to COVID exposure? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
31%
No
 
27%
No, but other practice staff have
 
34%
More than once
 
6%


newsGP weekly poll 10–17 January 2022 (Votes: 1008)
newsGP weekly poll Did your practice receive its paediatric COVID-19 vaccine doses on time? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
35%
Yes, but not as many as we would like
 
12%
No
 
36%
Our practice is not part of the rollout
 
15%


newsGP weekly poll 20–27 December 2021 (Votes: 969)
newsGP weekly poll Will your practice offer COVID vaccinations in 2022? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
63%
No
 
18%
Only if Medicare support increases
 
12%
Undecided
 
4%


newsGP weekly poll 13–20 December 2021 (Votes: 1339)
newsGP weekly poll What would you most like to see as a feature of Australia’s permanent telehealth scheme? The poll is closed.
Fully-funded telephone consultations
 
55%
The option to bill privately
 
21%
Support for GP-to-GP referrals
 
2%
Maintaining the ‘existing relationship’ requirement
 
20%


newsGP weekly poll 6–13 December 2021 (Votes: 982)
newsGP weekly poll What will be the most important part of the COVID vaccine rollout in 5–11-year-olds? The poll is closed.
Effective public health communication
 
41%
Consistent supply/access
 
6%
Funding support
 
8%
Clear clinical guidance
 
43%


newsGP weekly poll 29 November – 6 December 2021 (Votes: 1172)
newsGP weekly poll Have you been exposed to increased patient aggression or intimidation in recent months? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
60%
No
 
18%
Not personally, but my colleagues have
 
5%
Our practice staff has
 
15%


newsGP weekly poll 22–29 November 2021 (Votes: 1215)
newsGP weekly poll What proportion of patients does your clinic bulk bill? The poll is closed.
Almost all
 
42%
More than half
 
28%
Less than half
 
18%
Almost none
 
10%


newsGP weekly poll 15–22 November 2021 (Votes: 1295)
newsGP weekly poll Has a patient attempted to coerce you into a type of COVID vaccine fraud? The poll is closed.
No
 
53%
Yes, I’ve been offered inducements to falsely record a vaccination
 
5%
Yes, I’ve been pressured to provide an inappropriate exemption
 
35%
Yes, I’ve been asked to commit another form of vaccine fraud
 
5%


newsGP weekly poll 8–15 November 2021 (Votes: 1105)
newsGP weekly poll What do GPs need to care for COVID patients in the community? The poll is closed.
More clinical guidance
 
6%
Boosted financial support
 
6%
Greater access to PPE
 
2%
All of the above
 
84%


newsGP weekly poll 1–8 November 2021 (Votes: 1050)
newsGP weekly poll Will having access to the Moderna COVID vaccine in general practice impact the rollout? The poll is closed.
Yes, many patients ask about it
 
15%
No, patients are happy with the available options
 
16%
Yes, once the booster program begins
 
9%
No, it won’t affect vaccine-hesitant patients
 
58%


newsGP weekly poll 25 October – 1 November 2021 (Votes: 2036)
newsGP weekly poll As a GP, how do you feel about Australia starting to open up? The poll is closed.
Excited/relieved
 
33%
Anxious
 
38%
Conflicted
 
21%
Ambivalent
 
7%


newsGP weekly poll 18–25 October 2021 (Votes: 3610)
newsGP weekly poll Have you encountered patients who say they are ‘waiting for Novavax’? The poll is closed.
Never
 
12%
Rarely
 
14%
Once a week
 
16%
Daily
 
55%


newsGP weekly poll 11–18 October 2021 (Votes: 1273)
newsGP weekly poll What is the main barrier GPs face when prescribing medicinal cannabis? The poll is closed.
Lack of knowledge
 
26%
The prescribing process is too difficult
 
24%
Too costly
 
6%
Lack of evidence
 
42%


newsGP weekly poll 4–11 October 2021 (Votes: 1465)
newsGP weekly poll How has working as a GP during the pandemic affected your mental health? The poll is closed.
Not at all
 
13%
Somewhat
 
34%
Greatly
 
38%
I’ve had to take time off work
 
13%


newsGP weekly poll 27 September – 4 October 2021 (Votes: 1028)
newsGP weekly poll Should general practice exams be restricted only to people undertaking a Fellowship program? The poll is closed.
Yes, this is the same as other specialties
 
54%
No, the previous arrangement was better
 
25%
I don’t feel strongly about this issue
 
8%
I want to see how the new system works before deciding
 
11%


newsGP weekly poll 20–27 September 2021 (Votes: 1637)
newsGP weekly poll As a GP, how concerned are you about the health impacts of climate change? The poll is closed.
Very
 
58%
Somewhat
 
8%
Not at all
 
26%
I don’t know enough about it
 
6%


newsGP weekly poll 13–20 September 2021 (Votes: 3309)
newsGP weekly poll Should GPs have restrictions on being able to prescribe ivermectin for COVID-19? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
13%
No
 
54%
Yes, but it should apply to all doctors
 
29%
Only while there is a shortage
 
1%


newsGP weekly poll 6–13 September 2021 (Votes: 1108)
newsGP weekly poll Have you felt more confident administering COVID-19 vaccinations since the no-fault indemnity scheme was finalised? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
29%
No, I was not overly concerned about adverse events
 
18%
No, it is still my patient if something goes wrong
 
37%
Indifferent
 
14%


newsGP weekly poll 30 August – 6 September 2021 (Votes: 1388)
newsGP weekly poll For what reason are female patients most commonly presenting at the moment? The poll is closed.
Mental health
 
65%
Alcohol and other drugs
 
4%
Screenings/preventive care
 
8%
Questions about vaccination
 
21%


newsGP weekly poll 23–30 August 2021 (Votes: 4634)
newsGP weekly poll As a GP, do you agree with mandatory COVID vaccinations in the workplace? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
52%
No
 
35%
In settings where employees will likely be exposed to the virus
 
7%
Only people who work closely with vulnerable cohorts
 
4%


newsGP weekly poll 16–23 August 2021 (Votes: 1795)
newsGP weekly poll Have you noticed a recent reduction in COVID vaccine hesitancy in your area? The poll is closed.
Yes (COVID hotspot)
 
34%
No (COVID hotspot)
 
12%
Yes (no community transmission)
 
30%
No (no community transmission)
 
21%


newsGP weekly poll 9–16 August 2021 (Votes: 1177)
newsGP weekly poll How often do patients fail to disclose respiratory symptoms during triage? The poll is closed.
At least once per day
 
66%
At least once per week
 
26%
Rarely
 
5%
Never
 
2%


newsGP weekly poll 2–9 August 2021 (Votes: 1141)
newsGP weekly poll Are you happy with the incoming changes to CPD? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
4%
No
 
72%
Undecided
 
19%
Indifferent
 
3%


newsGP weekly poll 26 July – 2 August 2021 (Votes: 2526)
newsGP weekly poll Are you fully vaccinated against COVID-19? The poll is closed.
I am, as is the rest of our practice
 
37%
I am, but some of my colleagues aren’t
 
26%
I’ve received one dose
 
22%
No one in my practice is
 
14%


newsGP weekly poll 19–26 July 2021 (Votes: 896)
newsGP weekly poll Have mandatory reporting laws ever dissuaded you from seeking mental health support? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
52%
No
 
16%
No (WA-based)
 
2%
I haven’t needed any
 
28%


newsGP weekly poll 12–19 July 2021 (Votes: 1154)
newsGP weekly poll Have you been fit-tested for a P2/N95 mask yet? The poll is closed.
Yes, every GP in my practice has
 
3%
Yes, but some colleagues have not
 
2%
No, but fit-testing has been scheduled
 
0%
No and fit-testing has not been scheduled
 
93%


newsGP weekly poll 5–12 July 2021 (Votes: 313)
newsGP weekly poll Does your practice have a reconciliation action plan? The poll is closed.
Yes
 
8%
No, but we would consider it
 
24%
No, and unlikely to consider it
 
60%
I work in an ACCHO or AMS
 
6%


newsGP weekly poll 28 June – 5 July 2021 (Votes: 1258) 
newsGP weekly poll What will attract more medical graduates to general practice? The poll is closed.
Increased remuneration
 
79%
Less paperwork
 
7%
Access to paid leave
 
6%
Greater exposure to primary care
 
6%


newsGP weekly poll 21–28 June 2021 (Votes: 659) 
newsGP weekly poll What is the main barrier to conducting video-based telehealth? The poll is closed.
Practice infrastructure
 
32%
Technical issues
 
25%
Patient preference
 
33%
Lack of training/experience
 
8%


newsGP weekly poll 14–21 June 2021 (Votes: 883)
newsGP weekly poll Do you support disease-specific MBS item numbers? The poll is closed.
No – this fragments care
 
59%
No – for other reasons
 
15%
Yes – for specific patient needs
 
5%
Yes – with appropriate rebates
 
19%


newsGP weekly poll 7–14 June 2021 (Votes: 993) 
newsGP weekly poll As a GP, what are you most concerned about professionally? The poll is closed.
Work–life balance
 
45%
MBS compliance
 
17%
Lack of resources
 
13%
Vexatious complaints
 
24%


newsGP poll 31 May – 7 June 2021 (Votes: 1420) 
newsGP weekly poll What is the largest challenge impacting the COVID vaccine rollout? The poll is closed.
Vaccine hesitancy
 
69%
Limited number of doses
 
21%
Inconsistent supply of consumables
 
3%
Lack of MBS support
 
4%


newsGP poll 24–31 May 2021 (Votes: 667) 
newsGP weekly poll Would you access professional indemnity insurance through the RACGP? The poll is closed.
Yes, very likely
 
23%
Yes, somewhat likely
 
16%
No, very unlikely
 
41%
No, somewhat unlikely
 
18%


newsGP poll 17–24 May 2021 (Votes: 1048) 
newsGP weekly poll What is the main priority for GPs over the next 12 months? The poll is closed.
Completing the COVID-19 vaccine rollout
 
26%
Finding a permanent solution for telehealth
 
7%
More funding to better support primary care
 
18%
Avoiding burnout
 
48%