24 November 2017


Future Leaders Program 2018 - Applications now open

The RACGP invites members to apply for the Future Leaders Program 2018 which is designed to increase knowledge, understanding and confidence in being a general practice leader.

The program is delivered primarily online with webinars and video conferencing and will launch with a two day face-to-face event in Melbourne in March. The eight month program will include a focus on self, others, and the future. 

Join the GP leaders group in shareGP for more information and the online application form.

Please contact Vicky Moriarty, Future Leaders Program Manager for more information.


Antimicrobial Stewardship: Antimicrobial resistance in primary care

The RACGP has released its position statement on antimicrobial stewardship, which supports a collaborative approach to ensure appropriate antimicrobial use and reduction of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Australia.

The RACGP response to antimicrobial resistance in primary care proposes a number of activities to respond to AMR and complements the strategic objectives and priority areas for action outlined in the National Plan to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance, a companion document to its National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy 2015–2019.

Visit the RACGP website to view the position statement and response to antimicrobial resistance in primary care.


In Practice poll - Changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule on 1 November 2017

The RACGP’s Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee summary provides members with a quick and easy reference to item numbers relevant to general practice. While this resource is updated annually, there are a number of changes to the MBS throughout the year that are published by the Department of Health on MBS Online.

The RACGP communicates any MBS changes that affect general practice to members through various channels. Changes from 1 November 2017 (including various outcomes from the MBS Review Taskforce) were reported via email, as well as on shareGP and in In Practice.

Among other changes, the 1 November update allows patients to claim MBS rebates for consultations with GPs during the ‘Aftercare’ period. Previously, only the surgeon who undertook a procedure could provide medical treatment related to a patient’s recovery and the fee for the original procedure covered the cost of aftercare. Patients can now access MBS rebates for GP services in the aftercare period, regardless of whether another practitioner undertook the operation.

The RACGP wants to ensure members have timely updates relating to the MBS and would like to hear whether you are aware of such updates.


Media enquiries

Journalists and media outlets seeking comment and information from the RACGP should contact:

John Ronan

Senior Media Advisor