News
In Practice: New billing resource
A new fact sheet has been published to guide GPs on Medicare requirements for bulk billing and charging additional fees to patients.
Medicare has developed a new educational resource on billing services for GPs.
This week’s round-up also includes an extension to mental health training subsidies, new dementia management education, and how GPs can get advice on the business of general practice.
Medicare bulk billing and additional charges
The Department of Health and Aged Care has developed an educational resource providing information on the Medicare requirements for bulk billing and the charging of additional fees to patients.
Under the Health Insurance Act 1973, if a practitioner bulk bills for a service, the practitioner undertakes to accept the relevant Medicare benefit as full payment for the service.
This educational resource has been developed to assist health practitioners and providers to understand the Medicare rules and requirements around bulk billing and covers charging for consumables, vaccine administration and membership fees.
Subsidised FPS training extended
The General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC) has extended the Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) training subsidy until 30 June 2023.
The subsidy covers part of the cost of completing accredited FPS Skills Training (FPS ST). Eligible GPs can submit a subsidy request application form to be refunded $600 upon successful completion of FPS ST and once provider status is confirmed by Services Australia (Medicare).
GPs who have already completed FPS ST may still be eligible for the subsidy. For more information, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, contact the GPMHSC Secretariat.
AGPT Program 2023
Applications for the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program are now open.
General practice is the perfect career choice for any doctor who enjoys diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions and building long-term relationships with their patients. With GPs at the frontline of primary healthcare during the recent pandemic, there are more opportunities than ever for a rewarding career in general practice – particularly those who choose to train in rural and remote Australia.
More information and applications for the 2023 AGPT Program is available on the RACGP website. Applications close 30 August.
Demystifying dementia webinar series
Webinar: Wednesday 7 September, 7.00 – 8.00 pm (AEST)
Eligible for 2 RACGP CPD points
Presented by Dementia Training Australia and RACGP Specific Interests, this three-part webinar series offers 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 first webinar in the series, ‘Reframing dementia – Applying GP-friendly frameworks to better understand dementia’ describes the stages and domains approach to recognising and diagnosing dementia in general practice.
Learning outcomes of the webinar:
- Recognise features other than memory loss in people with dementia by applying the Domains Framework
- Apply the Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria Framework in assessing patients for a possible diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia
Register online.
Improving practice sustainability
The RACGP is running a free webinar series during September and October 2022, ‘Improving the sustainability of your practice’, supported by CommBank Health.
The CPD-accredited webinars will be held fortnightly at 7.00 pm (AEST) on the following dates:
Registrations for all webinars are now open via the above links.
Purchasing and financing practice premises through an SMSF
Webinar: Thursday 6 October, 7.00 – 8.00 pm (AEST)
For many GPs, purchasing premises through a self-managed super fund (SMSF) is often an attractive option producing rewards. The RACGP is presenting a webinar to highlight the importance of understanding what risks may also be involved.
Senior Finance Specialist, Luke Truscott, will present on the ins and outs of purchasing practice premises through an SMSF, and will also cover the legal structure and process of setting up an SMSF loan.
Register online.
Identifying mitochondrial disease
Webinar: Tuesday 13 September, 7.00 pm (AEST)
GPs are pivotal in diagnosing and managing mitochondrial disease (mito) patients.
In response to requests for ongoing education, the Mito Foundation has launched a dedicated webinar series, exploring various topics relevant to general practice, including diagnosing and managing the disease.
The first webinar with Professor David Thorburn explored reproductive options for mito and can be
accessed online.
In the next session, metabolic geneticist Dr Shanti Balasubramaniam will discuss the multiple organ systems involved in mito and identify ‘red flag’ symptoms.
Register now for the opportunity to submit a clinical question, while those who attend live can participate in an interactive discussion Q&A after the presentation.
First home buyers’ information session
Webinar: Tuesday 20 September, 7.00 – 8.00 pm (AEST)
Buying a first home is a big commitment and the process can be both overwhelming and confusing. In partnership with
BOQ Specialist, the RACGP is presenting a webinar to equip
GPs with a wealth of knowledge to help them confidently take the first step onto the property ladder.
Discussion topics include:
- understanding the home loan process and choosing the best loan
- sale process and negotiation tips
- rate movements and how much to afford to borrow.
Register online.
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