News

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In Practice: Feedback sought on pathology and imaging results

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This week’s In Practice also includes a reminder about how to upskill in Mental Health Skills Training and claim related MBS item numbers, as well as two upcoming face-to-face events for Tasmanian members.
 
Feedback on critical pathology and diagnostic imaging results
The Australian Digital Health Agency has engaged the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) to determine clinical safety and quality management of critical pathology and diagnostic imaging results, with consideration of the removal of the ‘seven-day’ rule, whereby patients cannot receive results for seven days.
 
This work aligns with Action 6.9 of the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standard that stipulates clinical communication processes should be in place to effectively communicate critical information, including alerts and risks, to ensure clinicians can make decisions about a patient’s care and in accordance with their wishes. National guidance aims to mitigate variation in critical results management practices across the health system.
 
The ACSQHC is inviting GPs to complete a 10-minute survey regarding current practices related to managing critical results. This survey will be open until Wednesday 2 October.
 
Stakeholders are also invited to register their interest to participate in stakeholder consultation workshops by emailing the Digital Health team.
 
Mental Health Skills Training
Mental Health Skills Training (MHST) provides education and training in the assessment, treatment, planning and review of mental health issues commonly presented in general practice.
 
GPs can complete MHST by fulfilling one of the following pathways: 

• MHST primary pathway – a six-hour (minimum) activity that can be completed online or face-to-face
• MHST modular pathway – GPs must complete one core module (minimum three hours) and one clinical enhancement module (minimum four hours)

For additional information on MHST pathways, download the Mental health training standards 2023–25: A guide for general practitioners.
 
Vocationally registered (VR) GPs who complete the requirements of MHST may be eligible to claim items 2715 and 2717 at a higher MBS rebate. Non-VR GPs who complete MHST may be eligible to claim items 281 and 282.
 
More information on mental health MBS item numbers is available on MBS Online.
 
Member survey: Health practitioner complaints/notifications processes
An independent review of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) has started. The review will look for complex or unnecessary processes within the NRAS, with the aim of improving regulatory outcomes and keeping Australians safe by providing high-quality healthcare.
 
The first consultation paper from the independent review has been released, and the RACGP’s advocacy team will be working with various groups across the college to develop a submission in response to the paper.
 
The advocacy team is seeking member feedback on the processes underpinning complaints or notifications about registered health practitioners to inform its submission. A member survey has been set up to collect feedback, which can be accessed via the RACGP website (login required).
 
Responses will close at 9.00 am on Monday 30 September. Any questions can be sent to healthreform@racgp.org.au
 
RACGP Tasmania: Peer-group learning supper series
Date: Thursday 3 October, 7.00 – 8.30 pm (AEST)
Venue: RACGP Tasmania, 62 Patrick Street, Hobart (via zoom for members outside of Hobart)
CPD: 1.5 RP hours
 
Facilitated by Dr Delfin Sanson, Fellow and Board member of the Skin Cancer College Australasia, this session, ‘As much skin cancer medicine as I can cram into a session’, will take attendees through an introduction to skin cancer diagnosis and treatment (non-surgical and surgical). 
 
Dr Sanson will aim to keep the presentation at an accessible level for GPs wanting to enter or become more skilled in skin cancer management, but will also discuss more complex care.
 
Dermatoscopy, use of digital imaging, non-surgical therapies, and basic surgical modalities – which can extend to more complex surgery if time allows – will all be covered. Light refreshments served.
 
Sessions will be capped at 20 participants, RSVP is essential. RSVP by Tuesday 1 October to Georgie Morse at tas.events@racgp.org.au.
 
Menopause workshop: ‘Give women the gold standard, not scraps of empowerment’
Date: Saturday 26 October, 9.00 am – 3.45 pm (AEDT)
Venue: RACGP Tasmania, 62 Patrick Street, Hobart
Cost: Members $85 | Registrars $65 | Non-members $110
CPD: 4 EA hours and 1 MO hour
Register online
 
RACGP Tasmania invites GPs and GPs in training for a day of learning to address current clinical topics around the theme of menopause, that are relevant to their current professional needs.
 
Following the overwhelming response to the RACGP’s recent Women in General Practice Weekend, with the program focusing on menopause, this workshop is being offered to extend the opportunity to all RACGP Tasmania members to access a condensed one-day version of the Women’s Weekend program. It is intended to be a practical and interactive program with plenty of opportunities to meet and talk with other GPs.
 
Men’s sexual health grand rounds
Date: Thursday 3 October, 6.30 – 8.00 pm (AEST)
Venue: RACGP WA, 20 Southport Street, West Leederville
Cost: $30
CPD: 0.5 EA and 0.5 RP hours
Register online
 
RACGP WA is hosting dinner and an interactive discussion at the men’s sexual health GP Grand Rounds evening educational session. Using case studies, presenters will explore common topics surrounding men’s sexual health that arise in general practice, including PrEP and Doxy PEP, erectile dysfunction, and taking a sexual history from men who have sex with men.  
 
GP24: Five days left to secure early bird registration 
It’s the last chance to secure discounted rates for Australia’s leading GP conference, GP24, in Perth on Whadjuk Noongar Country, from 21–23 November. 
 
Join the RACGP for three days of insightful sessions on topics including: 
 

• cardiovascular disease 
• opioids and chronic pain 
• GP wellbeing
• women’s health
• AI and digital health.

There will also be plenty of opportunities to socialise with colleagues from across Australia, including at the conference gala dinner at WA Museum Boola Bardip. 
 
Early bird registrations close 11.59 pm (AEST) on Monday, 30 September. Register on the GP24 website. 
 
Log in below to join the conversation.

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complaints process diagnostic imaging In Practice menopause Mental Health Skills Training pathology RACGP Tasmania

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