News
In Practice: RSV immunisation info sessions
With the RSV vaccine recently expanded on the National Immunisation Program, two upcoming webinars are designed to answer GPs’ questions.
From 2025, the maternal RSV vaccine will be available on the National Immunisation Program.
This week’s In Practice also includes a reminder for members to provide feedback to help shape the RACGP’s governance structure, a new Medicare user handbook, and a save the date for next year’s international addiction medicine conference.
RSV immunisation program webinars
Victoria’s Department of Health is hosting a two-part webinar series exploring the expansion of the maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine program.
Webinar 1: Clinical fundamentals of the RSV immunisation program
Monday 9 December, 6.00 – 7.00 pm (online via Teams)
Register online
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Dr Clare Looker and leading experts Professor Michelle Giles and Professor Nigel Crawford delve into the clinical aspects of RSV and its immunisation program. Attendees can learn more about the RSV vaccines Abrysvo and Nirsevimab, their potential to significantly reduce hospitalisations, and the broader disease impact of RSV. The session will conclude with a Q&A session.
Webinar 2: Implementation of the RSV immunisation program
January 2025 – date and time TBC
Stay tuned for further details on the second webinar in January, focusing on program delivery and implementation logistics.
Help shape the college’s governance structure
In the last five years, the RACGP has grown from 40,878 to 50,497 members, with revenue doubling and staff numbers tripling. This growth brings both opportunities and challenges, and the college is calling on members to help ensure its governance structure evolves to match this expansion while maintaining its core commitment to general practice.
The RACGP recently held a valuable open discussion with members online and in person at GP24. For those who missed this session, they can watch it on demand and still provide feedback. More information is available on the RACGP website.
New understanding Medicare provider handbook
The Department of Health and Aged Care has released a new resource designed to support healthcare professionals, medical practice staff or anyone involved in Medicare billing and claiming to understand and navigate the system.
The simple, plain English resource provides clear guidance on essential Medicare topics, including:
- benefits
- claiming
- available programs
- Medicare and hospitals
- Medicare Safety Nets
- MBS rules and requirements
- where to get help and support.
Those who are new to Medicare or an experienced GP are expected to benefit from the handbook as a
go-to guide for building a solid fundamental knowledge of Medicare functions and principles.
Save the date: International Medicine in Addiction Conference 2025
Date: 29–31 August 2025
Location: International Convention Centre (ICC), Eora, Sydney
The biennial
International Medicine in Addiction (IMiA) conference is heading to Sydney next year. Jointly hosted by the RACGP, RACP, and RANZCP, the IMiA 2025 conference will offer insightful sessions, inspiring speakers, networking opportunities, and a
‘unique’ chance to be part of an event shaping the future of addiction medicine.
Register for the conference online.
PBS updates for diabetes medicine
On 1 December, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) restrictions for dapagliflozin were
expanded to allow treatment in combination with metformin (unless contraindicated/intolerant) with no glycaemic requirements for patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk. This includes patients with cardiovascular disease, those at high risk of a cardiovascular event, and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander patients. Further information is available on the
PBS website.
Mental health skills training subsidy
The
GPMHSC is offering GPs a $600 reimbursement that covers part of the cost of completing accredited
Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training (FPS ST).
FPS are specific mental health care treatment strategies, derived from evidence-based psychological therapies. They include cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, psychoeducation and relaxation strategies. GPs skilled in FPS are better equipped to manage and support individuals experiencing difficulties with their mental health.
The delivery of FPS by GPs, particularly in rural and remote locations, gives people access to affordable and cost-effective psychological interventions where there’s a shortage or lack of psychologists and psychiatrists.
Eligible GPs will be reimbursed $600 once they complete the requirements for FPS ST and
register as GP providers of FPS with Services Australia. For more information contact the GPMHSC Secretariat at
mentalhealth@racgp.org.au
New veterans’ support resources for healthcare providers
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has released a new, easy-to-navigate online learning platform,
VETs HeLP, for healthcare providers to access information and educational resources to best support patients who have served in the Australian Defence Force and their families. The new eLearning platform offers CPD-accredited learning programs and educational resources covering topics including:
- the veteran experience and transition to civilian life
- mental health
- services available for veterans and their families
- how to bill for care provided to veterans
- compensation and claims processing.
More information is available on the
DVA website.
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