In Practice

Nominations are open for the 2020 RACGP Rural Awards, which recognise outstanding achievements and exceptional individuals for their contribution to rural general practice. Do you know a rural or remote medical practitioner, GP in training or student who has made a valuable contribution to rural general practice? Let them know about the awards or nominate them today. The 2020 awards include: Brian Williams Award Rural GP in Training of the Year Award Medical Student Bursary Award Community Project of the Year Award Awards are open across all...

RACGP Rural is seeking expressions of interest from members with experience in rural general practice education to join the RACGP Rural Education Committee. The committee provides direction to RACGP Rural on educational and vocational training issues related to rural general practice and the Fellowship in Advanced Rural General Practice. Committee member terms are three years, with a maximum of two consecutive terms allowed. One member position is currently available. Submit your expression of interest, along with your resume, to the RACGP Rural Ed...

Join RACGP Rural’s online meet-ups to connect with your rural and remote colleagues and share your experiences in responding to rural- and remote-specific issues. During these one-hour sessions we share real rural GP stories from around Australia and create a forum for discussion. Our next meet-up on Tuesday 11 August at 7.30 pm AEST will be hosted by rural Associate Professor John Kramer on the topic of ‘Business of rural general practice’. Hear from practice owner Dr Nicole Higgins in Mackay, Queensland, on the key considerations when opening or ...

Education at your convenience – a three-part webinar series titled ‘Business resilience and continuity during COVID-19’ is available to watch now through the RACGP Digital Events Program . The series aims to support GPs and general practice owners during the pandemic, and is supported by the Commonwealth Bank. The webinar series is available on the RACGP website .

Electronic prescriptions offer new prescription format options and convenience for both patients and healthcare providers. Implementation of electronic prescriptions is well underway, with several software providers validating the technical aspects, along with workflow in a number of electronic prescribing communities of interest (COI). The Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) will host a panel discussion with a GP, pharmacist and practice manager participating in COI. They will share their experience and strategies about how their practice has ...

From Friday 7 August 2020, people subjected to further restrictions in areas impacted by COVID-19 will be able to access 10 additional psychological therapy sessions through Medicare. The additional Medicare-subsidised sessions will allow people in eligible areas who have used their 10 sessions to continue to receive mental health care from their psychologist, psychiatrist, GP or other eligible allied health worker. The new items will apply to people subject to public health orders restricting their movement within the state or territory issued at ...

The GP mental health care consultation (MBS item 2713) applies to surgery consultations, which are at least 20 minutes and where the primary treating concern is related to a mental illness. It may be used for ongoing management of a patient with a mental illness and can be claimed if the patient requires an extended consultation. MBS item 2713 should not be used for the development of a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) and cannot be claimed at the same time as the review of a GP MHTP (MBS item 2712). However, it can be used whether or not a pa...

The 2020 RACGP elections are just around the corner, so we’re holding an online Q&A session with your candidates for President. Journalist and broadcaster Virginia Trioli will act as host and moderator, putting members’ questions to the candidates.  The Q&A session is a chance to  get to know your candidates  and help guide your decision at voting time.  Voting opens on Thursday 20 August 2020.  Members will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance and then join in on the night and watch as candidates respond to members’ issues. The Pre...