News
In Practice: Practice Owners National Conference
Registrations are now open for the RACGP’s conference – where GP practice owners can connect and learn more about running their business.
GPs can enhance their practice ownership journey at the Practice Owners National Conference on 20–21 May.
This week’s round-up also includes MBS updates to Focussed Psychological Strategies items, and the latest updates to the MBS Review Advisory Committee.
Future-proof your practice: Practice Owners National Conference
GPs are invited to tackle the pressing issues of running a practice, and connect with a community of like-minded owners and managers from across Australia, at the 2023 RACGP Practice Owners National Conference.
Expert panellists will discuss the hot topics facing GPs and practice owners, as well as insights on improving general practice businesses.
GPs can enhance their practice ownership journey at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Saturday 21 and Sunday 21 May.
For the full program and to register, visit the RACGP website.
New items for providing Focussed Psychological Strategies
On 1 March, eight new MBS items were introduced for GPs to provide Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) to people other than the patient.
There are face-to-face and telehealth (video and phone) items available, which are equivalent to existing items for providing FPS to patients.
These items can be used to provide up to two services to a person other than the patient per calendar year. Any services delivered using these items count towards the patient’s course of treatment and calendar allocations under the Better Access Initiative.
Full details are available on the MBS updates page on the RACGP website.
Extend skills in Focussed Psychological Strategies
The Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) case-based discussions is an approved CPD course designed to support GPs who are already implementing FPS with patients.
The course consists of a series of thought-provoking, small group case-based discussion sessions facilitated by a GP with specialist experience in mental health. Each participant will present a case, and through peer-group discussions, extend their FPS skills by exploring the intervention methods they currently use. Participants will also review challenging cases and develop strategies for addressing barriers to achieving best practice.
The course is offered via Zoom and comprises four, two-hour case-based discussion sessions.
Register online.
New MBS Review Advisory Committee website
The MBS Review Advisory Committee (MRAC) was established to aid the role of the MBS Continuous Review in ensuring that the MBS will support improved health outcomes for all Australians. The health sector and consumers will be engaged on how the MBS can be improved, and changes proposed by MRAC will aim to improve the provision of equitable and affordable access to healthcare.
A new MRAC webpage has been published, which contains information on the committee’s role, as well as current and upcoming reviews. It also includes guidance for submitting a request under the MBS Continuous Review.
A new MRAC communique was recently published on this webpage, which provides outcomes from the December 2022 meeting. Future editions of the communique will be published following each quarterly MRAC meeting.
Practice essentials webinar series
The RACGP, in partnership with the Australian Digital Health Agency, is running a series of digital health webinars in the first half of 2023.
Next webinar: My Health Record refresher training
Wednesday 22 March, 12.00 – 1.00 pm (AEDT)
CPD: 1 hour EA
The amount of clinical content available in My Health Record continues to increase, with a significant amount of key health information being uploaded by public and private hospitals, pharmacists and GPs, as well as pathology labs and specialists.
To ensure GPs are making the most of the information available, this session offers a refresh on knowledge and tips on how to effectively start using My Health Record.
Register online.
Training opportunity: Australian Clinical Entrepreneur Program
The Australian Clinical Entrepreneur Program (AUSCEP) is designed for driven clinicians, including allied health professionals, who want to play a role in changing healthcare for the better.
Through the fully subsidised 12-month entrepreneurial training program, along with mentorship and
industry collaboration, participants will gain the commercialisation skills and networks to drive clinician-led innovation to transform patient care.
Applications for the second intake of the AUSCEP close on 16 April 2023.
Find out more and apply online.
Lunch and Learn Series: Family and domestic abuse
First session: Friday 17 March, 12.00 – 1.00 pm (AEDT)
CPD: 1 hour RP
The RACGP’s Lunch and Learn Series is a new knowledge-sharing network created to help frontline primary care professionals develop skills and confidence in responding to family abuse and violence, learning alongside other peers keen to make a difference.
Held on the third Friday of every month, Lunch and Learn provides an excellent opportunity to gain insights and support in managing a complex area of practice.
Each Lunch and Learn session involves:
- three panel members
- a presentation on a different aspect of family violence
- de-identified case presentations (participants can also submit their own case)
- Q&A discussion.
Register online.
RACGP and Emerging Minds webinar series
Connecting with families: Common practice challenges in child mental health
Thursday 30 March, 7.00 – 8.30 pm (AEDT)
CPD: 1.5 hours EA
The 2023
Emerging Minds and RACGP Specific Interests webinar series will continue to advocate for a child-centred and family-focused approach to infant and child mental health.
The series will again be structured around practice challenges associated with the delivery of the
Childhood mental health consultation guide which consists of four distinct phases – connect, explore, plan and collaborate.
Based on a case study, this webinar will explore some of the challenges and opportunities faced by GPs in the ‘connect’ phase of practice. It will draw on the
National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy as the foundation to explore the important role of all general practice staff, including non-clinical staff, practice nurses, practice managers and GPs, in connecting with children and families.
Register online.
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