GP Network News, Issue 12, Number 09 - 9 March 2012

AMA comments on Ten Year Roadmap for National Mental Health Reform

The AMA has reviewed the Government’s Draft Ten Year Roadmap for National Mental Health Reform (the Roadmap) and is pleased to see that some of the directions set out in the plan incorporate elements of the AMA Position Statement on Mental Health 2011. This includes reducing stigma and discrimination, increasing access to early intervention and support and improving accessibility of mental health and support services.

The AMA has nevertheless highlighted the impact of funding cuts for GP mental health services and the lack of recognition for the vital and increasing role that GPs play in caring for patients with mental health illness and their families.

The AMA submission highlighted the importance of specifically targeted programs for special needs groups, and the need to develop measures to address systemic barriers to mental health services in particular the need for a greater emphasis on:

• Increased support for drug and alcohol services to treat, or otherwise assist, people with dual diagnosis (drug and relevant health issue); and
• Increased access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and drug and alcohol counsellors for Indigenous people, through the MSOAP visiting specialist Centre.

In addition, the AMA Council of General Practice identified the following issues that should be considered for inclusion in the Roadmap or for further specific policy development:

• Acknowledging and addressing the safety of patients, particularly vulnerable groups who are at greater risk of violence including sexual assault.
• The handover of patients as they transition back into the community, with particular attention paid to the role that GPs play in patients’ ongoing care once back in the community.
• Improved access to life and other insurance policies for patients who have suffered or are suffering a mental illness.

MBS Interpretations

The AMA has been working with the Department of Human Services to improve the mechanism by which doctors or their staff can get written interpretations of MBS items. The Department of Human Services this week announced the introduction of a new email address – askmbs@humanservices.gov.au. This new service will enable health professionals to send MBS interpretation questions and receive the responses via email. The AMA encourages GPs and their staff to use the new service when they have a specific query on the applicability of an MBS item to a particular service and to retain the responses as record of the advice received. The Provider Enquiry Line is still available and should be used for enquiries not requiring a written interpretation of an MBS item.

AMA Online Poll - PCEHR

The AMACGP recently reaffirmed the need for the AMA to push for appropriate remuneration for GPs to recognise the additional workload involved in preparing health summary for PCEHR. In line with this the AMA is currently running a poll asking should the AMA develop its own schedule of fees to support the PCEHR? Click here to cast your vote.

Rent a car for 5 days or more with Hertz and you’ll only pay for 4. That’s on top of all the usual benefits you’d expect with your Hertz rental including your usual AMA rate discount.

*Terms and Condtions: Customer Discount Programme (CDP) number 283826 and Promotional Code (PC) number 161615 must be quoted at time of reservation to redeem the free day offer. Offer is available at participating locations in Australia until 15 March 2012 for rentals picked up between 15 February and 15 March 2012. Minimum rental period of five (5) consecutive days applies, with a maximum of one (1) day free of time and kilometre charges granted per rental. A twenty-nine (29) minute grace period is allowed for returns. Returns outside the grace period will be charged up to an extra day rental fee. Offer excludes taxes, fees, optional products and services. Offer is non-discountable and cannot be combined with any other promotion, special offer or coupon. Offer is not applicable on tours, government or insurance replacement rentals. Offer is not applicable to Prepaid (Pay Now) rates. Offer applies to the following vehicles groups, and is subject to availability at time of vehicle collection: Standard Auto, Full-size Auto, Premium Auto, Full-size Wagon and People Mover. Hertz standard driver and credit qualifications in effect at the time and place of rental apply. Minimum driver age without surcharge is 25 years. Drivers aged 21- 24 may be eligible to rent subject to an age differential charge. Vehicle models may differ and specifications may vary by location. Vehicles can be reserved by car group only and not by particular car model or colour. Fleet subject to change without notice. One way rentals are available between selected locations. Special conditions may apply. Terms and conditions subject to change without notice.*