News
In Practice: Bulk-billing incentives module update
Services Australia has updated its bulk-billing educational module to include the tripled incentive items.
The updated bulk-billing incentive educational module includes steps to verify patients’ eligibility for concessional Medicare services using HPOS.
This week’s In Practice also includes the launch of the Government’s Medical Costs Finder national campaign to help private specialist care planning, how GPs can share their voice on the impacts of climate change, as well as an upcoming pain management webinar.
Updated module on bulk billing incentives
Services Australia has recently updated its educational module for healthcare professionals on Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) bulk-billing incentive items.
The module now includes tripled incentive items introduced on 1 November 2023. It also outlines the steps to verify a patient’s eligibility for concessional Medicare services using Health Professional Online Services (HPOS). Concessional patients must hold or be listed on a Commonwealth concession card at the date of the service to qualify for bulk-billing incentives.
To access other eLearning modules on Medicare items, visit the RACGP’s MBS education webpage.
Medical Costs Finder
The Department of Health and Aged Care has launched its 2024 national information campaign to encourage Australians to use the Medical Costs Finder when planning for private specialist care.
The Government initiative is designed to help patients find and understand the typical costs for common private health procedures and avoid surprises when getting billed.
A new video explains how the website helps patients find typical costs for common private health treatments in different locations across Australia, while a range of resources is also available for health professionals and patients.
Resource for GPs:
Resources for patients:
Practical pain management in general practice
Webinar: Wednesday 17 April, 7.00 pm (AEST)
CPD: 1.5 EA hours
GP and pain specialist, Dr Rob Park, will discuss practical ideas GPs can implement with patients who are experiencing chronic pain. This webinar will discuss the language GPs can use to help with patient understanding, pharmacological golden hints, and the when, why, what and how of pain procedures and injections.
Register online.
GPs invited to have their say on climate change
GPs are
at the forefront of dealing with environmental health impacts such as heat stress and heat stroke, burns and smoke inhalation from bushfires, water-borne diseases from flooding, as well as the
mental and physical impact of droughts.
As the effects of climate change increase, so will the impacts on health and the demand on GPs.
RACGP Specific Interests Climate and Environmental Medicine, in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame, is conducting research on ‘Climate change and health: A survey of attitudes, knowledge and behaviours of Australian GPs.
The RACGP wants to hear what GPs think about climate change and health, it’s impact on them and their patients, and the related challenges they are currently facing.
Feedback from
the 10-minute survey will be invaluable in helping to shape advocacy efforts and the resources needed to support GPs and their patients.
Mackay Hot Topics: Four weeks to go
Saturday 20 April, 8.30 am – 5.00 pm
Rydges Mackay Suites, 9 Gregory St, Mackay, Queensland
Hot Topics is a unique one-day educational event for regional Queensland GPs to come together to learn and discuss five current and topical hot-topics relevant to their region.
The following five topics will be covered in 2024:
- MyMedicare
- Veterans’ health
- Dermatology
- Women’s health
- Medical termination of pregnancy
Hot Topics is proudly sponsored by NQPHN. Bursaries are also available to attend this event for GPs located in MMM3–7 regions, located in the northern Queensland PHN area.
Register online.
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