In Practice: ePrescribing SMS reimbursement extended

This week’s round-up also includes an opportunity for members to share their stories related to disaster management, details on the inaugural Sydney Mardi Gras Pride in Medicine float, and information on webinars related to infection control and ADHD.
 
Continuation of SMS reimbursement and the Electronic Prescription Fee
In late 2022 the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoH) released a Request of Tender (RFT) for the provision of electronic prescription delivery services.
 
The Australian Digital Health Agency, on behalf of the DoH, has announced that the reimbursements of electronic prescription tokens sent via SMS will be extended until 30 June 2023, while the RFT process is 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 $0.15 electronic prescription fee will be maintained until the RFT process is finalised.
 
GPs with any questions regarding these announcements can contact eprescribing@health.gov.au
 
Infection prevention and control guidelines
Webinar: Tuesday 14 March, 7.00 – 8.30 pm (AEDT)
Register online.
 
New Infection prevention and control guidelines for general practices and other office-based and community-based practices (the IPC Guidelines), developed by the RACGP in partnership with the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association, were recently published. 
 
The IPC Guidelines provide updated guidance on planning and implementing high standards of infection prevention and control in the workplace.
 
The RACGP is hosting a webinar on the IPC Guidelines in March, exploring new and significant changes. The webinar will be presented by members of the RACGP Technical Working Group – Infection prevention and control.
 
For more information and to register, visit the RACGP’s events page.
 
WorldPride 2023: RACGP Pride in Medicine float
The RACGP is proud to be joining the Sydney WorldPride parade on 25 February with the inaugural Pride in Medicine float.
 
The RACGP and other medical colleges have partnered to bring together 60 LGBTQI+ identifying doctors and allies to ride on the float. It’ll be the first ever combined medical colleges float in the Mardi Gras parade, marking the significance of the college’s collaboration and support for WorldPride.
 
Members can tune in to the action on the RACGP’s social media channels on the day of the parade to see fellow members Dr Rebekah Hoffman, Dr George Forgan-Smith, Associate Professor Ruth McNair and CEO Paul Wappett representing the college.
 
Alternatively, for those in Sydney that weekend, come and cheer the Pride in Medicine float along Oxford Street from 6.00 pm (AEDT).
 
Identification and co-management of ADHD in general practice
GPs are well placed in terms of understanding the lives of their patients and the impact of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
 
Recognition and appropriate treatment can make a substantial difference. With limited services and long wait times, it’s essential GPs feel encouraged to support patients with screening, investigations, and management of ADHD.
 
Presented by RACGP Specific Interests ADHD, ASD and Neurodiversity, this series will look at the latest Australian evidence-based clinical guidelines for ADHD, with dedicated webinars on both paediatric and adult ADHD.
 
Webinar 1: Tuesday 21 March, 7.30 – 8.30 pm (AEDT) 
Paediatric ADHD in general practice
Hosted by Adjunct Associate Professor John Kramer (Chair of RACGP Specific Interests ADHD, ASD and Neurodiversity)
Guest presenter: Associate Professor Daryl Efron (Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne)
Register online.
 
Webinar 2: Wednesday 29 March, 7.30 – 8.30pm (AEDT) 
Adult ADHD in general practice
Hosted by Dr Carmel O’Toole (Co-founder of RACGP Specific Interests ADHD, ASD and Neurodiversity)
Guest presenter: Dr Jörg Strobel (Adult psychiatrist)
Register online.
 
Online member meet-up: Disaster management
Date: Tuesday 28 February, 7.30 – 8.30 pm (AEDT)
Cost: Free
 
Join RACGP Rural’s Doctors for Women in Rural Medicine (DWRM) February meet-up to connect with colleagues from around Australia and share member stories.
 
The guest speaker will be Dr Sara Renwick-Lau, a GP currently living and working in Mallacoota in Victoria.
 
Dr Renwick-Lau studied at the University of Melbourne and started her career as a doctor working at the Royal Darwin Hospital and obtained her general practice specialist training while working in remote communities of the Northern Territory, before joining the Mallacoota Medical Centre in 2008.
 
At times the sole doctor in town, she also experienced and continued working through the bushfires of 2019–20, which deeply affected Mallacoota and nearby areas.
 
Members are invited to come and hear about her experiences living and working through natural disasters, which are impacting more and more Australian communities.
 
Following a short presentation from Dr Renwick-Lau, participants will have the opportunity to connect in an informal setting, as well as meet committee members and contribute ideas to inform the work being done in this space. 
 
Register online.
 
Non-liability healthcare arrangements for eligible veterans
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has updated information on non-liability healthcare (mental health) arrangements for eligible veterans.
 
The DVA may cover the cost of veteran mental health treatment, even if their condition has not been accepted by DVA as relating to their service.
 
GPs and other healthcare providers can find out more about arrangements, including who’s eligible, what’s covered and what they need to do, by visiting the DVA website.
 
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disaster management electronic prescribing In Practice infection control LGBTQI+ veterans’ health