A pivotal moment for quality healthcare in Australia
Our communities understand the need for equitable and accessible healthcare, as was unequivocally demonstrated at the recent federal election.
The RACGP messaging was strong, consistent and centred on the ongoing provision of quality general practice services for our patients.
The RACGP’s ‘Vision for general practice and a sustainable healthcare system’ is innovative and brave in describing what a strong, general practice-led primary care system could look like, and the majority of stakeholders have accepted its farsighted thinking.
In fact, the Vision forms the foundation of the government-sponsored Primary Health Care Advisory Group recommendations, which were released as part of its report in April 2016.
The Vision proposes a major overhaul of the current funding system for general practice to better support the delivery of quality, sustainable and effective healthcare, designed to meet the needs to patients, healthcare providers, and governments.
It is based on the patient-centred medical home model and is informed by RACGP’s definition of quality general practice.
It is time now to lift the freeze on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) rebates for general practice, which will give us the breathing space required to refine, implement and monitor the Vision.
The RACGP wants to work collaboratively with the Federal Government to ensure our patients have access to a quality healthcare system that is both equitable and fair.
Dr Frank R Jones
RACGP President
GP16 early bird rates finish today!
Preparations for GP16 are well underway and with more than 700 delegates already registered, it has received 25% more registrations than at the same time last year.
To confirm your place at this year’s conference, register before 11.59 pm AEST TODAY to save $100 with early bird rates*.
As we approach the end of the 2014 – 16 triennium, GP16 is a great opportunity to earn Quality Improvement and Continuing Professional Development (QI&CPD) points towards meeting your requirements. Be sure to get in quick and secure your place in the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities GP16 has on offer, as:
- 56% of delegates have secured their preferred ALM
- three ALM topics are over 50% booked and another five are fully booked
- five CPR workshops are fully booked.
Register now to save $100* and secure your place in your preferred CPD activity.
*Discount applies to RACGP member and non-member registrations only.
Please note: the GP16 registration form will be down for routine maintenance from 2.00–4.00 pm AEST on Saturday 16 July.
Webinar on 5th edition Standards for general practices
One of the biggest changes between the 4th and 5th editions of the Standards for general practices (the Standards) is the move from process-focused to outcome-focused indicators. Outcome-focused means that the indicator focuses on results rather than the process. This approach gives practices greater scope to set up systems that reflect their individual practice, thereby making it easier to maintain after their accreditation assessment.
As part of the consultation on the second draft 5th edition, the RACGP is undertaking a large-scale pilot involving 100 practices. Piloting the draft Standards will test the real-world application of the 5th edition and provide the RACGP with feedback on the new indicators.
The RACGP recently held a webinar about the changes between the 4th and 5th edition Standards, new indicators and the piloting processes. It is now available for everyone online.
RACGP online transactions
The RACGP is moving to a paperless digital transaction system to protect the confidential financial information of its members.
In the past, some members have emailed credit and debit card information to the RACGP on PDF paper forms. From 18 July this year, any emails received by the RACGP containing credit or debit card details will be automatically blocked and securely destroyed by the RACGP system. Members are encouraged to use online RACGP forms to process transactions and payments instead.
If you have any queries, please contact the RACGP on 1800 472 247.
National health network remains vigilant about Lyme disease
The Department of Health’s (DOH) latest progress report welcomes two publications which have provided new insight into the microbiome of some Australian species. This includes the identification of new bacterial species, including a potential new clade in the genus Borrelia.
While no Lyme disease Borrelia bacteria has been found in Australian ticks, the nation’s health network continues to remain vigilant about the infection and remains concerned about Australians suffering a chronic debilitating illness which they associate with a tick bite.
The clinical significance of this finding is still to be determined and it is anticipated that further research will be published later in the year.
The Federal Government will continue to work with state and territory health agencies to incorporate new evidence-based techniques in tick bite first aid.
Visit the DOH website to learn more, or contact Dr Gary Lum with any questions.
Clinical Pearl – e-mental health for mild to moderate anxiety and depression
Many patients are unaware of the vast array of e-mental health interventions available to them for the management of mental health issues such as mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Online portals Beacon and mindhealthconnect can be used to locate suitable e-mental health options and discover more about their purpose, format, and cost. Many e-mental health interventions are free of charge to patients and some are available in several languages.
Visit e-Mental health: A guide for GPs for more information, an RACGP resource designed to help practitioners who are curious about using online interventions with their patients.
In Practice poll
The current freeze on patient Medicare rebates and the increasing costs of running a general practice will continue to place pressure on general practice business models.
While the RACGP continues to advocate for appropriate and reasonable indexation of Medicare rebates, combined with longer-term strategies for general practice funding, efforts are also underway to identify opportunities for practices to maximise existing practice resources without increasing business costs. One idea is the development of a medical assisting course for non-clinical practice staff members.
A medical assisting course for non-clinical staff members helps to develops skills in:
- interpretation and application of medical terminology
- preparation, processing and maintenance of medical accounts and patient records
- provision of practice reception services
- collecting basic specimens, and assisting with clinical measurements and procedures.
This course would expand the role of non-clinical practice staff members to include a broad range of administrative functions combined with tasks to support practitioners in the delivery of patient care.