18 June 2021


Changes to Closing the Gap PBS Co-payment Program

Changes to the Closing the Gap (CTG) PBS Co-payment Program will come into effect on 1 July 2021.
The following resources outline the changes:

The changes aim to improve access to CTG scripts for clients regardless of their location,  prescriber (including hospitals and specialists),  chronic disease status, and Practice Incentive Payment (PIP) enrolment. 

Changes to the CTG PBS Co-payment Program relate to reforms announced as part of the Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreement (7CPA) on 1 July 2020.


Dare to Innovate: Hepatitis C models of care

Date: Tuesday 22 June 2021
Time: 7.00–8.30 pm AEST
 
Presented by the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM), this interactive webinar aims to reinvigorate GP engagement in prescribing direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for hepatitis C.
 
Join Dr Joss O’Loan, Dr John Smart, and Dr Robert Page to learn about successful hepatitis C models of care in Australia, patient barriers to testing and treatment, and new strategies for connecting with patients.

Register on our website.


New MBS vaccine flag fall item

GPs administering COVID-19 vaccines to people at home or in a disability or residential aged care facility will be paid an additional fee for each visit they make.

Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item 90005 came into effect on 14 June 2021. It pays $56.75 per visit, regardless of how patients are vaccinated.

The flag fall item must be bulk billed and can be claimed in addition to existing MBS items to assess a patient’s suitability to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Visit MBS Online for more information.


Rural and remote GP research webinar

Date: Tuesday 13 July
Time: 7.00–8.15 pm AEST

In this webinar, Associate Professor Jan Radford, on behalf of the RACGP Expert Committee-Research, will facilitate a conversation about the role of rural and remote general practice research.

A panel of researchers and GPs will also share their advice for those who want to be part of rural health research.

Register for the webinar.


Follow the GPMHSC on Twitter

The General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC) is pleased to announce it has its own Twitter handle: @GPMHSC2.

Follow @GPMHSC2 to keep up to date on issues that affect your communities and to hear the latest mental health news.

The GPMHSC aims to provide GPs with:

  • details of upskilling opportunities in mental health, including Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training

  • GP resources, fact sheets and guides to help support the mental health needs of patients

  • policy and mental health reform information.


Maximising the value of your business – Free Health Project Services webinar

Date: Tuesday 13 July 2021
Time: 7.00 pm AEST

You spend years devoted to your business, so it’s important you maximise the value of your business if you plan to sell.

In this webinar, you’ll learn how your business will be valued at the time of sale, what factors create value for purchasers, and how you can best present your business.

If you’re unable to attend the live webinar, a recording will be available after the event.

Register for the webinar.


It’s time to celebrate excellence in general practice

Do you know an extraordinary GP, GP in training, GP supervisor or general practice going above and beyond to improve the health of the community?
 
If the answer is yes, nominations for the 2021 RACGP Awards are now open.
 
GPs receive all kinds of acknowledgements from their patients, but it’s important to formally recognise this work and dedication to holistic patient care, and that’s where the awards come in.
 
The RACGP Awards celebrate exceptional individuals in Australian general practice for their outstanding achievements and contribution to the health of their community.
 
Nominate an extraordinary GP, GP in training, GP supervisor or general practice today.
 
Visit the RACGP website to nominate.


Media enquiries

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

John Ronan

Senior Media Advisor