Help the DVA Shape Its Future Online Education
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is asking health professionals to provide them with feedback on their online education packages as part of a review into its online professional development. Many GPs and allied health professionals will have received educational packages from the DVA on topics relevant to veterans such as wound care, osteoporosis, mental
Prep for PrEP: Prevent HIV from Your General Practice
HealthPathways has recently published the Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) pathway. PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV infection in patients who don’t have HIV, but are at risk of infection. It is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for prescription by GPs for eligible patients. NSW Health has a goal of ending HIV transmissions by
Liver Clinic Reminds GPs to Screen for HCV in Various Groups
Dr Iain Bruce of the Coffs/Clarence Liver Clinic has called on GPs to be diligent in screening patients who may have hepatitis C (HCV). Dr Bruce said that although more than 500 patients had been successfully treated in the Coffs/Clarence region since the new direct-acting antiviral drugs became available, the number of patients coming forward
A Simple Guide to Telehealth Billing
The Department of Human Services has updated their telehealth billing rules. Medicare benefits are available for video consultations between specialists and patients who are located in telehealth eligible areas. They are also available in eligible aged care facilities and Aboriginal Medical Services throughout Australia. Medicare benefits are also available for clinical support provided by a
My Aged Care and Post-Acute Services
Does a referral to My Aged Care replace my patient’s post-acute services? No. A referral to aged care services should not take the place of post-acute services. Hospitals should continue to provide access to post-acute care for services that are required as a result of an inpatient episode. Aged care services are not substitutes for
Myth Busting – When Your Patient Asks About My Health Record
As a healthcare provider, by now, you would have heard all about the My Health Record (MHR). Despite concerns about privacy and security, there has been a record number of people signing up for the MHR since opt-out commenced 16 July 2018. Patients are recognising and appreciating that the benefits of having a MHR outweigh
Update from the National Cervical Screening Program
Recording Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Status on Pathology Request Forms The National Cancer Screening Register Rules 2017 require the following information to be collected about all individuals who undergo Cervical Screening Tests: Indigenous status Country of origin Preferred language This information enables the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) to:
My Health Record Event Presentations Now Live
North Coast Primary Health Network (NCPHN) held a region-wide My Health Record event for healthcare providers on 10 July 2018. Clinicians from Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Ballina, Lismore and Tweed Heads connected with NCPHN’s My Health Record team and the Australian Digital Health Agency to prepare North Coast healthcare providers for the opt-out period. The
Book Your Spot at the 2018 Needs Assessment Survey Results Presentation
In June 2018, North Coast Primary Health Network (NCPHN) ran Speak Up, a community survey asking locals for their experience with local health services. Over 3,300 locals completed the survey, offering valuable and unique information about accessibility, health challenges, health service providers and service quality across the North Coast. We would like to share the
CareSearch’s 10th Anniversary Emphasises the Importance of Evidence-Informed Palliative Care
CareSearch is celebrating its 10th anniversary in August 2018 to highlight the importance of evidence-informed palliative care. CareSearch is an online resource designed to help those needing relevant and trustworthy information and resources about palliative care. As the demand for palliative care in Australia increases, so too does the need to ensure that patients, their carers
Five Scholarships Now Available for New Graduate Certificate in Primary Care Nursing
The Primary Health Care Nurse is a vital link to delivering patient centred care in general practice and residential aged care facilities. These nurses are central to patients getting the care they need. Are you a Registered Nurse with a passion for primary health care? Are you working to keep people healthy and out of
New NSW Health Opioid Dependence Guidelines Released
New Opioid Dependence Treatment Guidelines have been released by NSW Health. The Guidelines provide clinical guidance and strategic policy direction to the provision of opioid treatment in NSW. Among the many updates in the new Guidelines is an enhanced focus on the issue of ‘Fitness to Drive’ and the assessment of patients on the Opioid
