Removal of MBS phone items for the preparation of mental health treatment plans in RACFs
On 7 August 2021, Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) phone attendance items for the preparation of GP mental health treatment plans for people in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) were removed (items 93408–93411).
The following mental health treatment plan telehealth items for aged care residents remain available:
- Item 93423 – Review of a GP mental health treatment plan via phone
- Items 93404–93407 – Preparation of a GP mental health treatment plan via videoconference
- Item 93422 – Review of a GP mental health treatment plan via videoconference
These items will be available until 31 December 2021, in line with the temporary MBS telehealth items introduced in response to COVID-19.
Join an RACGP Expert Committee
Nominations are now open for eligible RACGP members to join the RACGP Expert Committees (RECs).
The RECs contribute expertise in specific areas to the development of RACGP position statements, submissions, guidelines, resources and tools aimed at supporting the general practice profession.
As a REC member, you will play a critical role in providing advice and expertise to RACGP Board and executive team.
RACGP Fellows who are financial members as of 1 July 2021 are eligible to apply to join each of the five RECs:
To submit your nomination, download a nomination form and send it, along with your current CV, to recapplication@racgp.org.au
Future Leaders 2022 Information Webinar
Date: Monday 16 August 2021
Time: 7.00–7.30 pm AEST
The RACGP Future Leaders Program gives GPs the confidence to lead change in their community.
Designed for RACGP Fellows with some leadership experience, the program can help you develop your skills as a leader, identify your strengths, think strategically, and produce beneficial change for the health community
Those interested in the program are encouraged to register for our 2022 Future Leaders information webinar.
Hosted by Oliver Shultz, the RACGP’s Leadership Development Consultant, the webinar will discuss the application process and explain how the program can drive change within Australian general practice.
This is an exclusive webinar for RACGP members, free of charge.
Register for the webinar on our website.
New Fellows Staying Connected – Marketing strategies to attract and retain patients
Date: 19 August 2021
Time: 7.00–8.30 pm (AEST)
The fourth edition of the New Fellows Staying Connected meet-up series will highlight marketing strategies that you can use to promote your practice and establish yourself as a healthcare leader within your local community.
Michelle Tayler, Founder and Director at Marketing Practices will help you understand how marketing can attract new patients, retain existing ones, and put you ahead of your competition.
The meet-up is free to attend for RACGP members.
Register your attendance here
Quality improvement: What has it got to do with GP research?
Thursday 16 September, 7.00 – 8.15pm (AEST)
Are you interested in contributing to general practice research?
General practice Quality Improvement (QI) activities are designed to evaluate and/or improve healthcare. Its activities comprise a range of internal practice/organisational exercises, including clinical audits and patient surveys through to activities that meet criteria to be published as peer-reviewed research outcomes.
This webinar will explore practical examples what QI is and its relevance to general practice research. It will consider the ethical requirements of research and outline some triggers for seeking an ethical review of your QI or evaluation activity. The webinar will also introduce the SQUIRE guidelines that assist likelihood of attracting publication of your research
Visit the RACGP website to register now.
Electronic prescribing SMS subsidy funding extended
Following persistent RACGP advocacy, the SMS subsidy for electronic prescribing has been further extended until 30 June 2022. This means there is no cost to a practice for sending a prescription token via SMS.
You should note that SMS costs are specific to electronic prescriptions sent to patients on their mobile phones. Prescribers and dispensers can send electronic prescriptions to patients via email or through mobile apps that don’t incur these SMS costs. The Active Script List, once implemented across Australia, will also provide health professionals a fee-free option.
Learn more about electronic prescribing on the RACGP website.
FPS training subsidy for eligible GPs
The General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC) is offering GPs a training subsidy that covers part of the cost of completing accredited Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training (FPS ST). Eligible GPs will be refunded $600 upon successful completion of FPS ST and once their FPS provider status is confirmed by Services Australia (Medicare).
The subsidy is available for GPs who undertake training and register between 1 August 2021 and 30 June 2022. There is subsidy available for up to 190 GPs.
Applications to claim the FPS training subsidy commences on 1 September 2021.
Visit the GPMHSC website for more information on the FPS training subsidy or express your interest by emailing the GPMHSC Secretariat.