News
Electronic prescription tokens sent via SMS will continue to be refunded through June 30, the ADHA has confirmed.
The Department of Health and Elderly Care has confirmed that the $0.15 electronic prescription fee will be maintained until the RFT process is complete.
This week’s recap also includes an opportunity for members to share their stories related to disaster management, details on the first float of the Sydney Mardi Gras Pride in Medicine and information on infection control and ADHD webinars.
Continuation of the SMS payment and the electronic prescription fee
In late 2022, the Department of Health and Elderly Care (DoH) issued a Request of Tender (RFT) for the provision of electronic prescription delivery services.
The Australian Digital Health Agency, on behalf of the DoH, has announced that reimbursement for e-prescription tokens sent via SMS will be extended to 30 June 2023 while the RFT process is completed.
Refunds will be made for both the original electronic prescription tokens through prescription systems and the cost of repeat tokens generated through dispensing systems.
It has also been confirmed that the electronic prescription fee of $0.15 will be maintained until the RFT process is complete.
GPs with questions about these announcements can contact [email protected]
Infection prevention and control guidelines
Webinar: Tuesday, March 14, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (AEDT)
Register online.
New guidelines on infection prevention and control for general, other ambulatory and community practices (the IPC Guidelines) have recently been published, developed by the RACGP in partnership with the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association.
The IPC Guidelines provide updated guidance for planning and implementing high standards of infection prevention and control in the workplace.
The RACGP is hosting an IPC Guidelines webinar in March that will examine new and significant changes. The webinar will be presented by members of the RACGP Technical Working Group – Infection Prevention and Control.
For more information and to register, visit the RACGP events page.
WorldPride 2023: RACGP Pride in Medicine wagon
The RACGP is proud to take part in the WorldPride parade in Sydney on February 25th with the first Pride in Medicine float.
The RACGP and other medical schools have joined forces to bring together 60 LGBTQI+ identifying doctors and allies to ride on the float. It will be the first-ever combined medical college to swim in the Mardi Gras parade, underscoring the importance of the college’s collaboration and support to WorldPride.
On the day of the parade, members can tune in to the campaign on the RACGP social media channels to say hello to colleagues Dr. Rebekah Hoffman, Dr. George Forgan-Smith, Associate Professor Ruth McNair and CEO Paul Wappett to represent the college.
Alternatively, those in Sydney this weekend can come and cheer for the Pride in Medicine float along Oxford Street from 6pm (AEDT).
Identification and co-management of ADHD in general practice
GPs are well placed to understand their patients’ lives and the impact of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Recognition and appropriate treatment can make a significant difference. With limited services and long wait times, primary care physicians are encouraged to support patients in the early detection, evaluation, and treatment of ADHD.
Presented by RACGP Specific Interests ADHD, ASD and Neurodiversity, this series reviews the latest Australian evidence-based clinical guidelines for ADHD, with dedicated webinars on ADHD in children and adults.
Webinar 1: Tuesday, March 21, 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (AEDT)
Pediatric ADHD in the general practice
Hosted by Adjunct Associate Professor John Kramer (Chair of RACGP Specific Interests ADHD, ASD and Neurodiversity)
Guest Speaker: Associate Professor Daryl Efron (Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne)
Register online.
Webinar 2: Wednesday, March 29, 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (AEDT)
ADHD in adulthood in the general practice
host is dr. Carmel O’Toole (Co-Founder of RACGP Specific Interests ADHD, ASD and Neurodiversity)
Guest lecture: Dr. Jörg Strobel (adult psychiatrist)
Register online.
Online Member Meeting: Disaster Management
Date: Tuesday, February 28, 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (AEDT)
For free
Join RACGP Rural’s Physicians for Women in Rural Medicine (DWRM) meeting in February to connect with colleagues from across Australia and share stories from members.
Guest speaker is Dr. Sara Renwick-Lau, a GP currently living and working in Mallacoota, Victoria.
dr Renwick-Lau graduated from the University of Melbourne and began her medical career at the Royal Darwin Hospital and completed her general practice training while working in remote communities in the Northern Territory before joining Mallacoota Medical Center in 2008.
At times she was the only doctor in town and she also witnessed and continued to work during the 2019-20 bushfires that severely affected Mallacoota and the surrounding areas.
Members are invited to come and hear about their experiences of living and working during natural disasters that are affecting a growing number of Australian communities.
After a short presentation by Dr. Renwick-Lau, participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas in an informal setting, meet committee members and offer ideas to inform the work being done in this area.
Register online.
Liability-free health care for eligible veterans
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has updated information on non-liability health care (mental health) agreements for eligible veterans.
The DVA can cover the costs of treating war veterans with mental illnesses, even if their condition has not been recognized by the DVA as relevant to the service.
GPs and other healthcare providers can learn more about regulations, including who is eligible, what is covered and what they must do, on the DVA website.
Sign up below to join the conversation.
Disaster Management Electronic Prescribing In Practice Infection Control Health of LGBTQI+ Veterans
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