News
In Practice: Business sustainability strategies
An upcoming webinar will aim to help GPs who or looking to boost their income or ensure their practice runs sustainably.
This week’s edition of In Practice also includes an update on the supply of semaglutide, information on the continuation of SMS subsidies for electronic prescription services, and details for a host of webinars and other educational resources.
Strategies to keep general practices sustainable and boost income
Thursday 15 September, 7.00 – 8.00 pm (AEST)
This webinar will cover strategies GPs can use to manage their income and keep their business sustainable, ensuring they can continue practicing as a GP or running a practice.
Discussion topics will include:
- experiences of practice setup
- examples of changes made (eg billing) – what prompted the change, how this impacted patients
- examples of what hasn’t worked (ie what a non-sustainable practice looks like)
- what factors were considered in devising solutions (eg community factors, practice/personnel factors).
While the focus of the session will largely be on billing, it will also address other strategies to improve sustainability, including:
- utilising practice management software
- pursuing alternative funding streams
- performing non-clinical work or working in other locations (eg hospitals)
- maximising the roles of practice staff.
There will be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions during the presentation.
Registration is available on the
RACGP website.
Updated statement from TGA on semaglutide
Increased global demand for semaglutide products will continue to impact the availability of Ozempic (semaglutide) in Australia
until early 2023.
A
joint statement developed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and key obesity professional organisations discusses recommendations for patients and health professionals affected by the ongoing supply issue.
RACGP Plus: Free educational resources
RACGP Plus has a suite of free mental health education resources available for members.
GPs can access more information about e-mental health and how to identify patients who are most suitable for e-mental interventions via the
RACGP webpage.
The Black Dog Institute also
provides advice on how to use e-mental health in the primary care setting.
Demystifying dementia
Webinar 2: Dementia diagnosis demystified – A stepwise approach to diagnosing dementia in general practice
Wednesday 21 September, 7.00 pm – 8.00 pm (AEST)
Eligible for 2 RACGP CPD points
This
three-part webinar series, hosted by RACGP Specific Interests and Dementia Training Australia, will offer GPs a practical and stepwise approach to improving knowledge, skills, and confidence in diagnosing and managing dementia in general practice.
Presented by three GP specialists in dementia, the
second webinar in the series will present an overview of dementia and describe a practical approach to support GPs in diagnosing dementia.
Continuation of SMS reimbursement and the Electronic Prescription Fee
The Department of Health and Aged Care has released a Request for Tender (RFT) for the provision of electronic prescription delivery services.
The Australian Digital Health Agency, on behalf of the department, has also announced that the reimbursements of electronic prescription tokens sent via SMS will be extended until 31 March 2023, or until the outcomes of the RFT process are finalised.
Reimbursements will be provided for both the original electronic prescription tokens through prescribing systems and the cost of repeat tokens generated through dispensing systems.
It has also been confirmed that the 15-cent electronic prescription fee will be maintained until the RFT process is finalised.
Questions regarding these announcements can be sent to
eprescribing@health.gov.au
Integrating genomics into general practice
Webinar 1:
NIPS beyond the common trisomies
Tuesday 13 September, 7.00 – 8.00pm (AEST)
This webinar series will provide insight and expertise for successfully implementing non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) beyond the common aneuploidies into clinical practice.
Pre- and post-NIPS counselling considerations will be addressed using case examples. In addition to NIPS, the series will also address the current state of reproductive carrier screening.
Finance series: Support for purchasing a new home and practice
This two-part webinar series has been designed to equip GPs with useful information to make informed financial decisions in relation to:
- buying their first home and making the process as easy as possible
- purchasing and financing their practice premises through a self-managed super fund (SMSF) and the process involved.
Webinar 1: 20 September 7.00pm – 8.00pm (AEST)
First home buyer’s information session.
Webinar 2: 6 October 7.00pm – 8.00pm (AEDT)
The benefits of purchasing and financing your practice premises through an SMSF.
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