Issue 208 - 14 November 2024
Welcome to Practice Connect, a fortnightly update for practice managers, principals, nurses and administration staff on relevant issues, upcoming events and education.
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Quarter 1 payments for GPACI are now flowing onto general practices. Some payments to practices have not been able to be processed by Services Australia where practice or responsible provider bank account details have not been provided or need to be updated. A new resource published by Services Australia is available to assist practices and providers in understanding and acting on failed payment notifications (when they have missing or incorrect bank account details): MYMEDINFO12-MyMedicare Incentive failed payment notifications. The latest version of the MBS user guide for GPACI has been published to support your General Practice to plan their delivery of care for the GPACI and provides examples of how to use MBS items to meet the requirements of this incentive. Get your copy of the guide here. To use the guide in your practice, simply select the Sample Schedule (see pg. 3 – 8) and Example Annual Cycle billing scenario (see pg. 11 –15) that best suits your practice team and setting. Once you have identified these, you’ll have a 2-page guide to simplify MBS billing for GPACI! This updated version of the guide removes references to Aboriginal Health Workers and clarifies that only Aboriginal Health Practitioners and Practice Nurses are eligible to claim MBS Item 10997. References have also been removed to MBS Item number 10987 as this item is only billable following a 715 health check, which cannot be billed for residents of an aged care home.
These webinars are practical peer learning conversations, exploring the incentive and sharing experiences and lessons learned through implementation including:
General Practices sharing data with WA Primary Health Alliance for PIP QI, can now access their practice data reports through the Primary Care Reporting Portal (PCRP). The PCRP provides:
Further information on the PCRP is available through the Practice Assist website here. If you are a general practice that shares data with WAPHA via Primary Sense and you have not received an email inviting the nominated administrator for your practice to access the PCRP, please contact Practice Assist via 1800 2 277 478 or email practiceassist@wapha.org.au
A special mention to Pramana Medical Centre, Homeless Healthcare Medical Respite Centre, and Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services. These incredible WA organisations have been recognised as 'Medicare Champions' for their exceptional contributions to patient-centred primary care services, delivering better patient outcomes through innovative ideas, and working with diverse and vulnerable communities. We recently recorded a video with Pramana Medical Centre highlighting their fantastic multidisciplinary team care approach. Stay tuned for the release soon. Read more
Western Australia can expect a hot and dry summer this year, posing a risk to the health of patients in your community. Heatwaves have become an increasingly prevalent threat in Australia, with over half of heatwave-related deaths occurring in disadvantaged areas, where residents often lack access to adequate cooling infrastructure, and face additional health risks due to socioeconomic factors. General practice has a role to play in preparing patients for the effects of heatwaves and can help to reduce the impact to communities.
The Australian Warning System (AWS) is a national approach to the provision of emergency information, that aims to deliver consistent warnings to Australian communities. This means that people will know what they need to do to stay safe in an emergency, no matter where they are. Consistent warning levels, colours and hazard icons supported by a clear and concise action statement will make warnings easier to understand.
To improve cultural safety in care for Aboriginal people living with elevated weight, WA Primary Health Alliance has launched two videos for primary health care practitioners focused on enhancing communication and fostering trust through social yarning and management yarning. New additions to WA Primary Health Alliance’s SHAPE website, Yarning about weight: Building trust through social yarning and Yarning about weight: Setting goals and supporting change through management yarning offer practical techniques to create a more supportive and culturally safe environment for Aboriginal people to discuss their weight-related health concerns. Clinical yarning techniques can help support Aboriginal patients to feel comfortable discussing sensitive weight concerns, better understand the health impacts of excess weight, actively participate in developing management strategies and follow through with lifestyle changes and treatments.
Read more
With GPs reporting that depression and anxiety are two of the most common health issues they manage, we are pleased to share a supporter kit from our recent campaign, 'Depression starts small'. This includes key messages, helplines and downloadable videos, social media tiles and a poster for practices to use on their patient facing channels. This latest campaign from WA Primary Health Alliance is designed to raise awareness of the early symptoms of depression and promote help seeking behaviours. It is part of our GP-centric depression management program approach which aims to help improve the care of people with depression and prevent suicidal behaviour. We hope this campaign will make an impression and contribute to reducing stigma and encouraging people to reach out and seek help. Download the supporter kit.
Have you heard of Star Ratings for residential aged care? Star Ratings help older people to research and compare the quality of care, safety and services of aged care homes across Australia. This information can help older people and their support networks to make more informed choices about the care that best meets their needs. We have developed a toolkit for health professionals to support you in talking with patients about residential aged care planning and how Star Ratings can help. The kit includes conversation talking points, a printable poster and brochure, fact sheets and other useful information. Translated resources are also available. Download the toolkit here, and visit StarRatings for more information.
The long awaited expedited pathway for some Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) has been introduced. This pathway will reduce the length of time it takes to arrive and start working in Australia as a GP. Here are some key details about the expedited pathway.
If you would like to know more about the expedited specialist pathway or SIMG recruitment, contact Rural Health West’s Workforce Solutions team on recruit@ruralhealthwest.com.au
Rural Health Outreach services approved for delivery in the current financial year are listed on the Rural Health West website. Outreach services can be filtered by region, service provider, health professional, host facility and visit date. We encourage stakeholders to utilise the approved service list for the integration and promotion of services into community.
If you are a privately practicing, rural General Practitioner with advanced skills in emergency medicine, anaesthetics or obstetrics you may be eligible for financial support to attend events, workshops and courses relevant to your procedural skills. Please contact Rural Health West Program Coordinators - Nicole Jacobs (Obstetrics and Anaesthetics) Nicole.jacobs@ruralhw.com.au and Rebecca Wilson (Emergency Medicine) Rebecca.wilson@ruralhw.com.au for more information about the program eligibility or visit the Rural Health West website - Advanced Skills Support - Medical Recruitment & Education.
The Diabetes Connect service can support general practices and Aboriginal community controlled health services in country WA with evidenced based decision making on diabetes management.
Based at Diabetes WA in Subiaco, Consultant Endocrinologists Dr Greg Ong, Dr Seng Khee Gan and Dr Gerard Chew are available for direct advice on all diabetes types, over the phone or as part of a multidisciplinary case conference with a credentialled diabetes educator and/or Aboriginal health practitioner.
The team can also connect your patients to local face-to-face, Diabetes WA telehealth or group education services if additional patient support is required.
Choose a suitable time to book a call back from an endocrinologist or a multidisciplinary case conference via MS Teams here. To speak with an endocrinologist, please phone 9436 6270 or visit the Diabetes WA website for more information.
Opinion piece by Hunter Gurevich, Former Chair of TransFolk of WA
Current research demonstrates that trans and gender diverse (TGD) people represent about one to two percent of the community, and that number is growing as people become more aware of the distinction between sex and gender. However, the capacity among GPs to provide appropriate care does not meet demand. This article from transgender rights advocate and former Chair of Transfolk WA, Hunter Gurevich, provides a brief entry point into care for TGD people, explains the nuances of language, addresses some inaccuracies, and provides some guidance to appropriate care.
The Department of Health and Aged Care has announced that the Abrysvo® vaccine for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) will be added to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for pregnant women in 2025. This vaccine is recommended for women between 28-36 weeks of pregnancy and protects their newborn child against RSV. The Australian Government in partnership with all States and Territories will also support national access to the monoclonal antibody, Beyfortus (Nirsevimab), which provides direct protection to newborns and young children. More information about the program, including the start date, will be announced as soon as possible.
The Department of Health released a clinician alert for the increasing cases of Mpox in Western Australia. Key points:
For the full statement from Department of Health and for further information on Jynneos, click here.
Minor updates were applied to the Australian Immunisation Handbook herpes zoster (shingles) chapter. The updates incorporate the recent expansion of eligibility for free shingles vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and include a new table that details some (but not all) of the relevant risk conditions and immunosuppressive therapies for which shingles vaccination is recommended, as well as eligibility for free vaccination under the NIP. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends that all people with immunocompromise aged 18 years and over receive shingles vaccination, with consideration given to the optimal timing of vaccination. Access the Immunisation Handbook chapter.
Childhood immunisation is important to protect our kids against serious diseases. Adjunct Professor Alison McMillan, the Australian Government' Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, answers common questions from parents and carers about childhood immunisation in a new video series. The videos answer questions on:
Watch the video, and then bookmark to share with parents.
Services Australia has published a new resource to support health professionals in reporting infant vaccinations to the AIR. The factsheet outlines the record-matching process in the AIR and what to do if duplicate AIR records are identified. It provides a step-by-step guide to reporting infant vaccinations on the AIR site as well as guidance on what to do in situations where certain information may be unknown. This new release adds to a suite of infographic and eLearning education resources designed to help health professionals interact with the AIR accurately and efficiently. To access e-learning To access all infographics To access the new resource
Join WA Primary Health Alliance as we discuss immunisation in the Aged Care setting, including consent and what vaccinations are available as we age. We will also be giving a short overview of the GP Aged Care incentive scheme and how it can benefit Aged Care organisations. Topics covered:
Register here.
Presented by Immunisation Coalition, This webinar will provide viewers with an update on shingles epidemiology, changes to the NIP schedule, and current trends in vaccination rates. Low shingles vaccination rates in Australian adults impact the epidemiology of the disease. This webinar explores what current guidelines advice regarding vaccination to reduce disease burden and complications associated from contracting Shingles. For further information and to register, click here.
1. There are two ways to have a Cervical Screening Test. Most patients can now choose to take their own sample or have a healthcare provider collect the sample. Encourage your patients to speak with their doctor if self collection could be an option for them. 2. The best protection against cervical cancer is regular cervical screening. Most people who develop cervical cancer have either never screened or do not screen regularly. Encourage your patients to speak to their healthcare provider to check if they are up to date with their cervical screening. 3. Discuss your options with a healthcare provider. Any healthcare provider who offers cervical screening (GPs, nurses, gynaecologists) can help decide which option is best for the patient. It is important for your patients to have a healthcare provider that they trust at a service where they feel comfortable. Visit where can I have a Cervical Screening Test? (external site) to find one that meets their needs if it is not something you can provide.
The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has provided funding to WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) for the administration of COVID-19 vaccinations for non-Medicare patients within primary care. WAPHA can reimburse general practices to the value of the relevant MBS item number to support non-Medicare patients being vaccinated against COVID-19, and this reimbursement can be backdated to July 2023. Please note: The non-Medicare vaccine reimbursements will cease in December 2024. The last day to submit a claim will be 1 December 2024, to align with WAPHA’s end of year payment processing. To claim, practices will be required to declare reimbursement (i.e. private fee charge) has not already been received for the services claimed. WAPHA understands that some practices have withdrawn or are not administering COVID-19 vaccinations. Practices with a large cohort of non-Medicare patients can be supported to submit an expression of interest to join the program. To make a claim complete the survey or for further information please email our COVID-19 team gpvaccination@wapha.org.au
WA Primary Health Alliance wants the COVID-19 vaccination support program acquittal process to be as easy and effective as possible for all involved. We have created a ‘How to Guide’ to assist program participants in making sure everything is included when writing their Activity Summary Report/s. Each section in the guide will provide prompts whilst you answer each survey question so we receive accurate and useful information on those outcomes your activities achieved. Every organisation that has submitted an approved activity proposal is funded through the COVID-19 Primary Care Vaccination Support Program (Program) and is required to provide an Activity Summary report promptly following the completion of the activity/s. Once you have completed your pop-up clinic or home visit/s where COVID-19 vaccinations were administered, organisations will need to complete an activity summary report to indicate how the funding has been utilised in line with the signed agreement and Program guidelines. Program participants will not need to submit receipts for purchases but will be required to retain them in line with Australian Taxation Office requirements. For further information please visit our COVID-19 Vaccination & Resources webpage or email gpvaccination@wapha.org.au
This year, the WA Cervical Cancer Prevention Program has a range of activities planned for the community. Join them in raising awareness! One of the of the best ways to raise awareness about cervical cancer prevention is to host an event or plan an activity for your practice or community. Here are a few ideas for things you could organise:
For more information, visit the Healthy WA - Cervical Screening page.
Using telehealth can significantly improve GP workload by streamlining workflows, improving efficiency and ultimately providing faster and more convenient patient care. During this webinar, we will explore the benefits of using telehealth in general practice, discuss some scenarios of video-call telehealth and touch on considerations to keep in mind when conducting a telehealth appointment. Learning outcomes:
To find out more, view the flyer or click here to register.
During this webinar, we will discuss the importance of vaccinations for older people, the vaccinations offered by the National Immunisation Program and other recommended vaccinations. We will also provide an overview of the General Practice in Aged Care Incentive (GPACI), how it relates to the aged care standards and examples of how to incorporate it into clinical governance frameworks and quality improvement plans. To find out more, view the flyer or click here to register and receive an invitation.
WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) invites general practice staff to attend one of the launch sessions for the new practice data reports through the Primary Care Reporting Portal (PCRP).
To find out more about the PCRP launch sessions, view the flyer or click here to register. Please note: The practice data reports and the PCRP are currently only available to general practices sharing data with WAPHA through Primary Sense.
Please make your GPs and GP registrars aware that they can attend free online training sessions throughout the 2024 calendar year with a choice of target topics including:
CPD hours are available for the online training sessions. For more information, dates and registration links, visit WAPHA’s suicide prevention webpage.
Each webinar is pending RACGP approval for 1.5 Educational Activity Hours.
By the end of this webinar you will be able to:
Mark your calendars for the WA Rural Health Conference, Pan Pacific Perth on Saturday 22 to Sunday 23 March 2025. Early bird registrations are now open! This year’s theme, “Strengthening rural WA: One connection at a time,” brings together a diverse range of rural health professionals including:
The preliminary program is now available, which includes sessions that focus on collaboration, connection, and community impact. For full details and to take advantage of early bird rates, please visit www.waruralhealthconference.com.au For any inquiries, please contact the Events Team at warhc@ruralhealthwest.com.au or call 08 6389 4500.
Acknowledgement WA Primary Health Alliance acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Owners and Elders of this country and recognises the significant importance of their cultural heritage, values and beliefs and how these contribute to the positive health and wellbeing of the whole community.