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RACGP releases suite of practice resources ahead of 1 November
The assets are designed to support members once the Government’s signature Medicare policy kicks in, regardless of their chosen billing model.
More than 1000 clinics have so far expressed interest in signing up for the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program.
With historic changes to Medicare now just one week away, the RACGP has collated a suite of practical resources to help members respond to the new incentives.
On 1 November, the Federal Government’s new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP) will begin, bringing with it a major shift in general practice.
To support GPs and practice owners during this transition, the RACGP has developed webinars, factsheets, posters, postcards, FAQs, website copy and on-hold and reception scripts for members to use.
These resources can be used in waiting areas and consulting rooms, on websites and social media pages, and to support patient conversations.
Designed to help GPs, as well as make discussions with patients easier, the resources aim to help GPs explain what the changes mean for their practice and reduce pressure on reception and practice staff.
The site’s FAQs answers questions including how the expanded BBPIP will work, whether GPs are required to bulk bill all services, and when the incentive payments will be made. They are also designed to help explain that despite the expanded incentives, Medicare rebates remain too low to fully cover the cost of care in many practices.
The RACGP also teamed up with Cubiko to host a series of seven webinars throughout September and October, discussing in detail how the new incentives will work and what they mean for GPs and practices.
The webinars, which are available now to watch back, cover:
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the resources are designed to help members feel as prepared as possible ahead of 1 November.
‘We want members to know how their practice might be impacted by these changes and feel more confident having conversations with patients about what their practice is doing,’ he told
newsGP.
‘I have spoken with many GPs and practice owners who still have questions, and remain unsure about how these changes will work, so we hope the range of resources provide some clarity.
‘The college will be there to support all clinics and GPs, regardless of their billing model.
‘We also want to hear from practices to understand how these changes are impacting on their practice, both in the lead up to 1 November and beyond.’
Ahead of the changes, the Federal Government has also launched a
new bulk-billing calculator, aimed at helping GPs and practice owners work out the financial implications of offering 100% bulk-billed appointments.
More than 1000 clinics have so far expressed interest in signing up for the BBPIP.
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