News

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In Practice: MBS online tool updated

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This week’s round up also includes resources on how to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with vaping cessation, reducing burnout among rural GPs, and the college’s latest position statement on private health.
 
MBS online tool updated
As of January 2022, the RACGP’s MBS online tool has been updated with the latest MBS item numbers. New additions to the tool include Level C telephone items, remote supervision vaccine suitability assessment items and rural bulk billing incentives.
 
The tool allows GPs to enter fees for services they provide in their practice. It will automatically calculate the patient out-of-pocket contribution based on the Medicare rebate.
 
GPs can also click through to the full item descriptors on MBS Online, use one of the RACGP’s lists or create a customised list of items that can be downloaded and printed.
 
Telephone consultation items 
Level C MBS phone consultation items for attendances lasting longer than 20 minutes have been temporarily reinstated until 30 June 2022 and are now available nationally.
 
A fact sheet with details of the items is now available.
 
The relevant item numbers are 92746 for GPs and 92747 for other medical practitioners. All Medicare-eligible Australians can receive these services based on normal telehealth eligibility requirements and exemptions.
 
Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with vaping cessation
Webinar: Thursday 27 January, 12.30−1.30 pm AEDT
 
The RACGP and NACCHO are hosting a complementary webinar for GPs, non-GP clinicians, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and practice staff on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People to stop vaping.

Ms Alice Nugent, NACCHO pharmacist advisor, and Professor Renee Bittoun, tobacco treatment specialist, will discuss:
 

• the approach to dual use tobacco and nicotine vaping products and cessation
• issues related to vaping in young people, including nicotine replacement therapy options
• validated tools for assessment and cessation support available.

This event attracts two CPD points. Register online.
 
Walking the walk: Reducing burnout and improving wellbeing for rural GPs
Webinar: Thursday 3 February, 8.00–9.00 pm AEDT
 
Rural and remote general practice can be challenging, and rural and remote GPs experience high rates of burnout.
 
RACGP Rural is hosting a free webinar covering the workload and enculturation barriers experienced by rural GPs and practical tips for improving resilience, maintaining healthy work–life balance, increasing personal fulfilment and reducing burnout.
 
Register online.
 
The role of private health insurance in primary healthcare
The RACGP has published an updated position statement on private health insurance in primary healthcare.
 
The college does not support amendment of the Private Health Insurance Act 2007 to allow private health insurers to fund services for which Medicare rebates are available, or to cover gap payments, as this threatens universality of access to general practice and primary healthcare more broadly.
 
However, there is an opportunity for private health insurance to support patient access to the model of general practice care described in the RACGP’s Vision for general practice. This may include general practice and primary care services that are not funded under the MBS.
 
The position statement outlines ways in which private health insurers could support general practice, and principles for the involvement of private health insurers in primary healthcare.
 
Member access to rapid antigen tests
With current access issues to rapid antigen tests (RATs), the RACGP is offering members the opportunity to pre-order RATs in bulk, for delivery from 1 February, via the RACGP Plus Member Benefits site.
 
The tests are $8.36 per swab, with a minimum order of 25 boxes, to be used only by healthcare professionals.
 
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In Practice MBS Online private health telehealth vaping

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