28 June 2019


RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Awards – Nomination period extended

Nominations for the Growing Strong, Standing Strong Together and Student Bursary awards have been extended to Monday 1 July.

RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health offers awards to a Fellow, member of the RACGP or an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who has contributed to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Visit the RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health awards page to download a nomination form.


General practice policy and procedure templates

The RACGP website has a new central location for general practice policy and procedure templates, which have been consolidated in one location from a range of RACGP guides and resources.

These templates will assist general practices to meet their professional and legislative obligations when providing clinical care, whilst also supporting day-to-day business activities. They can also assist practices to meet and maintain accreditation in accordance with the RACGP Standards for general practices (5th edition).

Visit the RACGP website to access general practice policy and procedure templates.


NAIDOC Week 2019 – Voice. Treaty. Truth.

NAIDOC Week is our chance to celebrate and highlight the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

NAIDOC Week runs from 7 – 14 July 2019 and is centred on the theme Voice. Treaty. Truth.

This theme acknowledges the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and constitutional recognition through the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

There are many ways you can join NAIDOC celebrations.

Visit the NAIDOC website for further information and for resources, posters and to find your local community events.


Reminder: Feedback requested on changes to the MBS for thoracic medicine

Members are reminded that the RACGP is currently seeking feedback from members on changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) for thoracic medicine that came into effect on 1 November 2018.

The 1 November 2018 changes consisted of:

  • redefining the criteria for complex lung function testing, including the introduction of new MBS items to reflect the complexity of these tests
  • amending requirements to encourage appropriately performed spirometry in the primary care setting. These changes required GPs to adjust their billing practices, particularly in relation to the services they provide for office-based spirometry (items 11505 and 11506).
  • restructuring MBS items for sleep studies to ensure patients with proven sleep disorders are better identified and more appropriately managed
  • allowing GPs to directly refer eligible patients for diagnostic home-based (unattended) or laboratory-based sleep studies for obstructive sleep apnoea when an approved assessment tool has been used
  • introducing a new set of items for multiple sleep latency testing (MSLT) and maintenance of wakefulness testing (MWT) in adult and paediatric patients.

The RACGP is interested in member experience of these changes to help inform the submission to the Department of Health.

Visit the RACGP member consultation page for further details on this consultation.

Email healthreform@racgp.org.au by Sunday 7 July 2019 to provide feedback.


RACGP GP wellbeing survey – Closing soon

The RACGP's GP wellbeing survey has been designed to gain insights and opinions on GP wellbeing in Australian general practice.

GPs and general practice registrars currently practising in Australia are invited to contribute and have their say. Your experience and insights will assist the RACGP in understanding what supports are currently accessed, where future investment is needed, and the barriers and challenges faced by GPs in relation to their own wellbeing and mental health.

The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete and all responses are anonymous.

The survey closes Sunday 30 June.


Review of the Practice Incentives Program Indigenous Health Incentive

The Department of Health is currently undertaking a review of the Practice Incentives Program Indigenous Health Incentive (PIP IHI) and is seeking your participation.

A number of workshops are being held in capital cities and some regional areas throughout June and July. The workshops seek to understand, through your knowledge and experience, how the PIP IHI currently influences the care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic disease.

Contact RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health via aboriginalhealth@racgp.org.au if you have any questions or would like to discuss further. Register your interest directly by contacting engagePIPIHI@thinkplace.com.au.

Date Location/Activities Time 
Monday 17 June Brisbane 1.00 – 5.00 pm
Tuesday 18 June Adelaide 9.00 am –1.00 pm
Tuesday 18 June Dalby 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
Wednesday 19 June Mildura 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
Thursday 20 June Canberra (workshop) 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
Friday 21 June Webinar TBC
Monday 1 July Darwin 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
Monday 1 July Perth 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
Wednesday 3 July Townsville 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
Wednesday 3 July Sydney  9.00 am – 1.00 pm
Thursday 4 July  Coffs Harbour 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
 

Note: This schedule is subject to change based on stakeholder engagement and availability.


Media enquiries

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

John Ronan

Senior Media Advisor