Medicare/MBS
Personally Controlled Electronic Health Records (PCEHRs) and the use of item numbers in general practice
During the past month, GPs and practices have been confronted with a myriad of seemingly conflicting statements and opinions regarding the introduction of the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR). As the PCEHR initiative will be available from 1 July 2012, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (“the College”) is keen to assist members in any way possible in managing this process, including clarifying issues regarding implementation well before July 2012.
Medicare Benefits Schedule fee summary
For Fellows of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners or vocationally registered general practitioners.
Preventive health care and the Medicare Benefits Schedule
Preventive healthcare aims to prevent illness and assist in the early detection of specific diseases whilst encouraging the promotion and maintenance of good health. Preventive healthcare is essential to the future of Australia’s health and general practice has a pivotal role to play in ensuring better health outcomes for all patients.
Changed member systems and care models for mental healthcare post 1 November 2011 – four examples of practice scenarios
The changes to Better Access general practice mental health item numbers announced in the May budget will come into effect on 1 November 2011. After 1 November 2011, practices may require revised practice systems and billings in order to continue delivering high quality patient care.
Letters for patients regarding the removal of the MBS joint injection item numbers 50124 and 50125 now available
In the 2009-10 Federal Budget the government removed the MBS item numbers 50124 and 50125 for injection into a joint or other synovial cavity.
MBS reform - a first step in the right direction
On 14 December 2009 the Federal Government announced changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) in a first step to simplify the schedule, remove red tape and to encourage preventative care.
Referrals
RACGP enquiry (dated 11 November 2008). GPs have reported making referrals to the Outpatient Department of a public hospital, addressed to 'Dear Doctor', with the result that the hospital is changing the referral to a specific doctor. It has been reported that the hospital rarely confers with the referring doctor about the change.
Medicare Benefits Schedule Online Database Guide
The Department of Health and Ageing has an online database of all the items in the Medicare Benefits Schedule that can be viewed using a variety of search functions.