Maintain your Ahpra registration to keep your status as a specialist GP
Legislative changes introduced by the Commonwealth Department of Health in 2020 have simplified recognition of GPs as specialist GPs.
Access to Medicare A1 rebates will be determined by continued specialist registration status with the Australia Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).
This means a change in how GPs have been recognised as specialists, and the closure of the Vocational Register by June 15th 2021.
GPs previously listed on the Vocational Register will need to apply for Vocational Registration as a GP before 30 April 2021
If you have a future requirement to claim the higher Medicare rebate for your patients, you must apply for specialist registration now. You won’t be able to register as a specialist GP after the VR closes on 15 June 2021.
Visit the Ahpra website to check your registration status and make sure you’re registered as a Specialist GP or Vocationally Registered GP.
If you wish to be re-instated and recognised as a specialist GP by Medicare, you’ll first need to contact the RACGP via email at national.cpd@racgp.org.au
In order to continue to access their A1 Medicare rebate, RACGP Fellows must be registered as a Specialist GP with Ahpra before 16 April 2021
All Fellows of the RACGP who do not hold specialist registration with Ahpra and do not complete an application for specialist GP registration before 16 April 2021 may lose access to the higher Medicare rebates.
Visit the Ahpra website to check your registration status and make sure you’re registered as a Specialist GP.
Online workshop: Definition of a general practice
Date: Thursday 8 April
Time: 5.30–6.30 pm (AEST)
The RACGP Expert Committee – Standards for General Practices (REC–SGP) have been consulting with members about the definition of a general practice for the purpose of accreditation.
The consultation period closes this week, but the REC–SGP are hosting a final workshop for those wanting to discuss the themes and issues that have emerged throughout the consultation period.
Register for the online workshop and join the discussion about whether the definition reflects all contemporary general practices.
Further information about the definition can be found in the consultation paper.
Foundation research grants 2021
Do you have a research idea you’d like to pursue? Now is your chance to be an RACGP Foundation research grant recipient.
Applications for RACGP grants are now open and close on 3 May 2021, with grants available across many areas of focus.
GPs and GPs in training are encouraged to apply for the inaugural RACGP Foundation Harry Nespolon Research Grant. In honour of the late Dr Harry Nespolon, the grant will fund research into the wellbeing of GPs and is valued up to $60,000. Project proposals are encouraged to address factors that support GP self-care and peer support – themes for which the late RACGP President was a strong advocate.
To find out more or to apply for an RACGP Foundation grant, visit our website.
Shape the Commonwealth digital health blueprint
There is a clear need for Australian digital health policy that provides better health outcomes and experiences for consumers, empowers health providers, and creates efficiencies in service delivery.
EY Sweeny, on behalf of the Department of Health, invite you to complete a survey to help guide the prioritisation of a digital health blueprint and investment.
The survey will take approximately 12 minutes to complete, and responses are anonymous.
Complete the survey here by Sunday 4 April 2021.
If you have any queries about the survey, please contact Fiona Purcell from EY Sweeney at fiona.purcell@au.ey.com
Practice-based research network webinar
Date: Thursday 29 April
Time: 7.00–8.00 pm (AEST)
Are you interested in contributing to general practice research? This seminar will introduce the RACGP Research Strategy, describe the roles of practice-based research networks and outline opportunities to contribute to research to inform clinical practice, public health response and policy.
Register for the webinar on our website.
Practice Owners National Conference 2021
Date: Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 June
The RACGP Practice Owners National Conference is back.
Held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and via our digital platform, the conference program has education topics to suit all interests.
Program highlights include:
- financial structures of billing for current practice owners
- hitting the ground running – the 101 of getting started for aspiring practice owners
- planning to succeed – business planning and setting strategic targets for practice managers.
View the full program here and register now.