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In Practice: Nominations open for RACGP Awards
GPs, supervisors, GPs in training and general practices are recognised for outstanding work on the healthcare frontline.
The RACGP Awards celebrate GPs, registrars, supervisors and practices going above and beyond to improve health outcomes for all Australians.
This week’s In Practice also includes details on claiming MBS acupuncture services and GP attendance items for the same patient on the same day, as well as the role of PrEP in HIV prevention, and a reminder to ensure patients travelling to the annual Islamic pilgrimage are up to date with all vaccinations.
Submit your nominations for the 2025 RACGP Awards
The 2025 RACGP Awards are now open for nominations until Monday 30 June. These awards recognise excellence in general practice and outstanding dedication to holistic patient care. They are a chance to celebrate exceptional individuals in Australian general practice and their contributions to the health of their communities.
The college wants to hear about GPs, registrars, supervisors, medical educators and practices going above and beyond to improve health outcomes for all Australians.
Nomination submissions and the full list of categories are available on the RACGP website. National award winners will be announced at a ceremony at GP25 in November.
Claiming MBS acupuncture services and GP attendance items for the same patient
MBS items 193–199 are time-tiered attendances by a medical practitioner who holds endorsement of registration for acupuncture with the Medical Board or is registered by the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia as an acupuncturist, at a place other than hospital (193, 197, 199) or at a hospital (195).
These services are for one or more health-related issues, with appropriate documentation, at which acupuncture is performed by the application of stimuli on or through the skin. ‘Acupuncture’ includes treatment by means other than acupuncture needles where the same effect is achieved without puncture, eg application of ultrasound, laser beams, pressure or moxibustion.
As outlined in the item descriptors and MBS Note AN.0.29, items 193–199 cover not only the performance of acupuncture, but any consultation on the same occasion and any other attendance on the same day for the condition for which acupuncture was given. Medicare benefits are only payable for multiple attendances on a patient on the same day by the same practitioner, provided:
- subsequent attendances are not a continuation of initial or earlier attendances
- each service is distinct and clinically relevant
- the requirements of each item (including time) are fully independently met
- there is no duplication.
PrEP reality check: Busting myths and addressing GP concerns
Webinar: Tuesday, 13 May, 7.30 – 8.30 pm (AEST)
CPD: 1 EA hour
Register online
Presented by RACGP Specific Interests and ASHM, this interactive webinar will feature a panel of experienced GPs who will examine the ongoing potential of PrEP in HIV prevention in Australia. Participants will learn about the role of primary care in the latest epidemiological trends in HIV, current patient demographics and effectiveness of PrEP in reducing HIV transmission.
Middle East respiratory syndrome and Hajj
With the annual Islamic pilgrimage, Hajj, taking place from 4–9 June, it is anticipated approximately 2000 Australians will travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate.
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness with a high fatality rate caused by MERS coronavirus. Saudi Arabia is experiencing ongoing clusters of MERS, with 84% of cases worldwide reported from this region.
There is no specific vaccination against MERS, however, GPs should ensure travellers are up to date with all recommended vaccinations including for COVID-19, measles, and influenza.
GPs are also urged to remain vigilant for signs of MERS in returned travellers and ensure suspected cases are
managed appropriately. MERS is a nationally notifiable disease, so all suspected, probable, and confirmed cases should be reported to state or territory public health units.
More information is available on the
Department of Health and Aged Care’s website.
WA members: Hepatitis C treatment and the role of the GP
Webinar: 28 May, 7.00 – 8.00 pm (AWST)
Register online
Hepatitis C virus infection
continues to lead to significant morbidity and mortality in Australia. Even with direct-acting antivirals, eradication of the virus remains a challenge, with many patients unaware of their infection.
This webinar explores the GP’s role in treating hepatitis C, including:
- identifying at-risk populations
- appropriate screening and testing
- signs and symptoms
- managing patients, surveillance and follow-up
- when to refer
- what is new in this space.
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the Q&A, and any question prior can be submitted upon registration. Presented by Dr Jessamy Stirling and Dr Yolande Knight and hosted by RACGP WA Co-Deputy Chair and GP Dr Mariam Bahemia, this webinar is delivered in partnership with the Department of Health Western Australia.
Log in below to join the conversation.
acupuncture services GP attendance items hepatitis C MBS MERS virus PrEP RACGP awards sexual health
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