AMA WIN ON GP MRI REFERRAL
The AMA has welcomed the Government’s decision, effective from 1 January 2008, to allow GPs to refer patients for Medicare-eligible MRI scans of the knee, and where Multiple Sclerosis is suspected, of the head. The AMA has been lobbying the Government on this for some time and this is a significant win for both the profession and patients, who will now more easily be able to access these scans. In mid 2006 the AMA commissioned the University of Sydney to undertake a study on the impact of GP referral to MRI. This research found significant benefits for patients and also highlighted potential cost savings for the Government.
Ultimately the AMA would like to see GPs allowed to refer for more Medicare-eligible MRI scans than these two specified above. To ensure that radiology and imaging services remain affordable and assessable by all Australians the AMA is calling for an immediate review of the arrangements between the Commonwealth and radiologists.
DEPUTISING GUIDELINES
DoHA following consultations with the AMA, RACGP and the National Association for Medical Deputising Australia has revised the Approved Medical Deputising Service Guidelines (AMADS guidelines). These revised guidelines will commence on 1 November 2007. The AMA’s and others contribution to revising these guidelines will ensure that the AMDS program will continue to provide quality practice services in the after hours period. The new guidelines can be obtained from the following link http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/content/work-advice-amds-toc
MEDICARE DENTAL ITEMS
DoHA has just released information about the dental services available under Medicare. The available information includes fact sheets for GPs and patients and GP Referral forms. The GP fact sheet also contains a summary of the differences between the existing EPC dental items and the new dental items. This information can be accessed from the following link:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/Dental+Care+Services
PATRON OF GPSN
The AMA congratulates Professor Michael Kidd on becoming the inaugural Patron of General Practice Students Network (GPSN). The GPSN is a joint initiative of General Practice Registrars Australia Ltd (GPRA) and the Australian Medical Students Association (AMSA). It is tasked with promoting General Practice as a fulfilling and exciting vocation to the medical student body, something the AMA is very supportive of.
DEMENTIA – HIGHER IN RURAL AND REMOTE AREAS
Alzheimer’s Australia has released their parliamentary brief on Dementia and Indigenous People, which can be accessed at www.alzheimers.org.au. While more research is needed there is now evidence to show that the prevalence of dementia is 4-5 times higher among remote Indigenous people than in the general population.
QUALITY CARNIVALE
The 4th International Conference in Primary Health Care put on by QIP/AGPAL and titled the Quality Carnivale will be held in Melbourne 17-19 April 2008. Leading experts will address the areas of leadership, safety, communication and the regulatory environment. There will be a focus on patient centred health and the participation of the consumer throughout the program. Registration forms and more information can be obtained from www.qip.com.au.