PROGRESS ON LEVEL C AND D CONSULTATION ITEMS
The AMA is continuing to lobby the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) to resolve concerns with Medicare Australia on when it is appropriate to claim Level C and D consults. The AMA expects that the issue will be resolved shortly.
GPS NEED TO BE ENGAGED IN HEALTH REFORMS
The government must engage GPs in developing its health reforms to ensure they are integrated, wide enough in scope, and aimed at the areas of greatest need, according to Professor Michael Kidd in the latest issue of The Medical Journal of Australia. Prof Kidd, Head of General Practice at The University of Sydney and immediate past President of the RACGP, has assessed the Government’s performance so far on its pre-election health promises. Find out more here.
DEFINING HEALTH CARE NEEDS FOR CHRONIC ILLNESS
A research paper in the latest issue of Medical Journal of Australia has provided the first insight into the prevalence and patterns of multi-morbidity in Australia. About three in 10 people who saw a GP in 2005, and one in four Australians have multi-morbidity. Find out more here.
INVOLVE GPS FOR MORE EFFECTIVE CANCER CARE
As cancer treatment improves and more people with cancer survive, general practitioners must become more involved in all stages of the cancer journey, according to an editorial by experts in general practice in the latest issue of the Medical Journal of Australia. Increasing numbers of cancer patients are living for prolonged periods with the disease, placing growing emphasis on the concept of survivorship. Find out more here.
AUSTRALIAN GENERAL PRACTICE NETWORK GOVERNANCE REVIEW
The AGPN is undertaking a review of governance arrangements for its board, structures and processes. Under the proposed changes, three external directors would be appointed to the AGPN board for a period of three years. People interested in the review can find more information here.
2008 NATIONAL GP LIAISON OFFICER CONFERENCE
The eighth National GP Liaison Conference will be held in Canberra on 4 September 2008. The conference brings together GP liaison officers and other health professionals who work to coordinate patient care between the acute care sector and general practice. The theme for this year's conference is ‘the key to closing the gap’. The conference program includes keynote speakers from the Department of Health and Ageing, the National e-Health Transition Authority and major hospitals. More information on the conference including programs and registration forms is available by ringing (02) 6244 4183.
NEW PRESIDENT FOR THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Dr Christopher Mitchell is president-elect of the RACGP. He will replace Dr Vasantha Preetham.
GP SUPER CLINICS SEMINAR
AMA NSW held an information seminar in Queanbeyan this week to assist local GPs understand the requirements and obligations of proposed GP super clinics and the process for lodging an expression of interest.