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Accreditation and ongoing Continuing Professional Development requirements for Recognised General Practitioners claiming MBS item numbers 193, 195, 197 and 199 for Medical Acupuncture

All Recognised General Practitioners practising Medical Acupuncture and claiming Medicare Item numbers 193, 195, 197 and 199 must be accredited by the Joint Consultative Committee for Medical Acupuncture and participate in on-going Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements to maintain their eligibility with Medicare Australia.

Please note that whilst all GPs who practice Medical Acupuncture are encouraged to apply for accreditation, only those who are Recognised General Practitioners with Medicare Australia can access MBS Item numbers 193, 195, 197 and 199. GPs who are not Recognised GPs with Medicare Australia cannot currently use these MBS Item numbers regardless of their Medical Acupuncture accreditation status

The following criteria for GP medical acupuncture accreditation was developed by the Australian Medical Acupuncture College (AMAC) in 2000 and in conjunction with the Joint Consultative Committee for Medical Acupuncture and on-going Medical Acupuncture CPD requirements….

To qualify for Medical Acupuncture accreditation GPs must:

• Have successfully completed a Joint Consultative Committee on Medical Acupuncture recognised training course in Medical Acupuncture
• Have successfully completed part one of the Australian Medical Acupuncture College Fellowship exam (FAMAC- Part 1) or equivalent
• Participate in a recognised Continuing Professional Development Program. Either the RACGP QA&CPD Program or the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) PD Program for the maintenance of on-going Medical Acupuncture requirements each triennium.
• Meet on-going Continuing Professional Development requirements in Medical Acupuncture each triennium

Recognised GPs applying for accreditation are required to complete an application that will be assessed by two representatives of the Joint Consultative Committee for Medical Acupuncture. Application forms are available by contacting the RACGP on 03 8699 0510 or may be downloaded.

Ongoing Medical Acupuncture CPD Requirements

The QA&CPD program aims to encourage peer interaction, case discussion and the practice of acupuncture techniques, rather than a GP’s individual reflection on their acupuncture practice in isolation.

The minimum QA&CPD requirements for Recognised General Practitioners performing medical acupuncture for the 2008-2010 triennium is:

• 1 Category 1 module

The points accrued for participation in approved medical acupuncture activities will contribute towards RACGP requirements for continuing GP Recognition with Medicare Australia and will not be in addition.

Publication Date: 18 December 2007