-
In preparation for the Practice Incentives Program Quality Improvement (PIP QI) payment, due to commence on 1 August 2019, WA Primary Health Alliance is facilitating training sessions to support practices who wish to learn more both about the incentive, as well as using the PEN CS tool to support ongoing quality improvement in your practice through the evaluation of your practice data. The sessions are tailored both to practices that are new to data sharing and quality improvement, as well as those experienced users who have an advanced knowledge. The sessions will cover:
Both face-to-face and online sessions are available, with attendees only needing to attend one session. To register, please click here or download the flyer for more information and session times and venues. As sessions commence on 18 June, we encourage you to register as soon as possible to ensure you are able to attend your preferred session.
The Shared Debt Recovery Scheme (the Scheme) commences under the Health Insurance Act 1973 on 1 July 2019. The Scheme enables the Commonwealth to hold both a practitioner (primary debtor) and another party (secondary debtor) responsible for repayment of compliance debts, arising as a result of incorrectly claiming Medicare benefits, through the making of a shared debt determination. The Scheme was introduced because Medicare billing is often delegated to non-practitioners, administered through centralised billing areas and can be influenced by organisational processes and policies. In some instances, this has led to incorrect billing practices. The Scheme is designed to encourage practitioners and organisations to work together to minimise incorrect billing, respond to Medicare audits, and promptly repay debts arising from incorrect Medicare billing. The Scheme applies when the Department of Health conducts post-payment Medicare compliance audits. The Department’s audit process is an evidence-based assessment of a provider’s compliance with relevant requirements in relation to the payment of a Medicare benefit, and is conducted in accordance with the Health Insurance Act. Audits are not undertaken to determine the clinical appropriateness of the service delivered to the patient. To assist practitioners to understand the intent and processes of the Shared Debt Recovery Scheme, the Department has established a Fact Sheet webpage as well as a Frequently Asked Questions page, or you can email the Department on HC.consultation@health.gov.au with your specific queries.
You are invited to the Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre for an update on the latest information regarding the management of Type 1 Diabetes, along with the opportunity to tour the facilities available to your patients and their families. Find out more about:
For more information on the event, please download the flyer, or email metro.phn@wapha.org.au
On Wednesday, 26 June, the South West Professionals’ Network will have its official launch. The Network will provide local health, nursing and medical practitioners with a central hub to access education events and resources, local news, and an opportunity to network with other health professionals in the South West.
You are invited to come along to the launch and learn more about this new initiative. The event is being held at the Undalup Room, City of Busselton, 2 Southern Drive, Busselton on 26 June. Please arrive from 5.30pm for a 6pm start (light refreshments will be provided). For more information, or to RSVP, please email bonnie2@gpdownsouth.com.su, or phone 08 9754 3662.
The Department of Health is currently undertaking a review of the Practice Incentives Program Indigenous Health Incentive (PIP IHI). This review aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the PIP IHI to support general practices to provide appropriate health care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic disease. In addition to the consultation paper, the Department has engaged ThinkPlace to facilitate ten face-to-face workshops and a webinar across Australia. These workshops are seeking input from all who have experience delivering health care services associated with the PIP IHI, including advisory and professional bodies from mainstream health, peak body representatives in Indigenous health, and healthcare providers working in metro and regional areas. The Perth workshop is scheduled for Monday, 1 July from 9am to 1pm (with morning tea provided). At the time of publication, the venue had not yet been confirmed, however interested participants can register by emailing engagePIPIHI@thinkplace.com.au to receive an agenda and updated venue information as it becomes available.
In 2019 to date, WA Health has distributed over 630,000 doses of influenza vaccine through National Immunisation Program (NIP) and State-funded programs for individuals at increased risk of serious influenza illness; this is 100,000 more doses than the total number of influenza vaccine doses distributed in 2018. In addition, WA Health will receive an additional estimated 30,000 doses of NIP influenza vaccine this week.
Acknowledging the potential for some undercounting and delays in vaccine administration data entry onto the AIR, currently available data show that as of 10 June 2019, 264,000 influenza vaccine doses have been recorded as administered to persons eligible for government-funded vaccine in WA; the difference between this figure and the number of doses distributed to date suggests that a significant number influenza vaccine doses – perhaps several hundred thousand doses - are currently with immunisation providers awaiting administration.
Each year the largest number of influenza vaccinations - and the highest vaccination rate - occurs among persons aged >= 65 years. In 2019, this cohort is recommended to receive Fluad® vaccine. Because Fluad® is registered for use only in this age group - and Fluad® is only available through the NIP - it is possible to assess the extent to which NIP vaccine supply is able to meet current demand.
Thus far in 2019 the cumulative influenza vaccine coverage among persons aged 65 years or older as recorded in AIR is 50.6% (solid blue line in the figure below). This represents about a 10% increase in coverage achieved in this age cohort in 2018. As the weekly number of vaccine doses administered to persons >= 65 years indicates (pink bars), vaccine uptake in this age group peaked four weeks ago and has been steadily declining since then. Given that WA Health has already distributed enough doses of Fluad® to vaccinate 90% of this age cohort, the number of vaccine doses in located in provider practices should be sufficient to meet anticipated demand in this age group this year.
Current AIR data for individuals aged >6 months to <5 years indicate that influenza vaccine coverage is currently 24.0%, a figure 12.8% higher than at the same time point last year. We urge you to continue to improve vaccination coverage in this vulnerable cohort by actively promoting influenza vaccination of young children to parents in your practice.
To facilitate ongoing, near real-time monitoring of influenza vaccine uptake in WA, please ensure all influenza vaccines you administer are entered onto AIR in a timely manner.
Recognising that WA Health is not involved in regulating, procuring or distributing vaccines in the private sector, we have been provided with general information which may be of interest to providers attempting to procure influenza vaccine in the private market for patients not eligible for government-procured vaccine.
DBTeen is a free program that aims to improve the mindfulness, communication and emotional responses of 14 to 18 year olds who are experiencing difficulties managing their emotions and behaviours. Lifeline WA is being funded by WA Primary Health Alliance to offer multi-familial access to community-based, dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) in a primary care environment. Referrals are now open for the July 2019 to December 2019 period, with initial groups to be held in Midland / Swan, Wanneroo, Cockburn, and Gosnells. The program comprises of 12-weekly, three-hour multi-family group skills sessions (with inter-session phone check-ins and coaching). Cycle 1 Groups commence the week beginning 22 July through to he week beginning 1 November 2019 (with a break for school holidays). For more information or to refer a patient, please visit Lifeline WA’s website or email DBTeen@lifelinewa.org.au.
Turning Point has released the 2nd edition of the Methamphetamine Treatment Guidelines. The guidelines were developed to help health professionals in the clinical management of methamphetamine use disorder and related presentations. The updated guidelines provide recommendations based on current evidence and best practice for the management of use and withdrawal. The guidelines include:
The release of the 5th edition of the Standards for general practices saw the introduction of two individual indicators relating to the cost of care for patients when care is initiated by the practice, both within the practice, and for referred or other services. While reference to costs associated with care came under a criterion heading in 4th edition, guidance is now provided in such a way as to differentiate between the expectations of information to be provided around potential costs within, and beyond, the practice.
For care received within your practice, you need to advise patients of the actual out-of-pocket costs they will incur. You will know what the costs are for healthcare you deliver, and therefore you must explicitly state what those costs will be. Ideally, you should have your costs and billing principles displayed at your reception desk (or patient point-of-check-in), as well as on your practice information sheet, and perhaps on your website (if you have one). If your billing principles include bulk billing a certain patient cohort (for many practices, this is determined by age groups or by concession card status), ensure that this is described. It is worth noting at this point that, if your practice only bulk-bills certain patients, it is important that your billing principles are clearly explained and consistently applied, as few things cause more patient complaints than fees and the inconsistent application of bulk-billing. Many practices choose also to remind patients that payment will be required at the time of the appointment.
If a practitioner in your practice has determined that an additional treatment or procedure is necessary, ensure that the practitioner discusses the cost of this with the patient prior to commencing the treatment or procedure. This allows the patient to indicate whether the cost will be prohibitive to receiving the additional service, in which case alternatives can be discussed to ensure the patient is able to access the treatment required within the available means.
This approach informs the second indicator relating to costs associated with care. When referring patients to services outside the practice, you do not need to inform them of the actual cost, but you must inform them when there may be a cost. This allows a discussion to unfold where the patient can identify whether the costs would create a barrier to accessing the referred care. If so, your practitioner can explore alternative methods for the patient to receive care without prohibitive cost. When informing a patient of potential costs, you might discuss whether there is a Medicare rebate, a gap payment, or a private fee, or whether there are public services available. You might also provide the patient with the contact details for the referred service so that the patient can directly discuss costs.
When you are having discussions about potential costs, it is important to ensure that you are delivering the information in a way that your patient understands. If you are concerned about the patient’s communication abilities, you may need to engage an interpreting service, provide information in the patient’s preferred language, or use plain English or diagrams. Additionally, make sure you consider the patient’s communication abilities if you are advising the patient to have discussions relating to cost directly with the provider.
The most recently localised pathways include:
To access HealthPathways, please contact your WA Primary Health Liaison or email the HealthPathways team at healthpathways@wapha.org.au
NPS MedicineWise are holding a morning event for Registrars at the WA Primary Health Alliance offices on Tuesday, 6 August. The event is an opportunity to discuss a case study reviewing the management and diagnosis of anxiety disorders. The event is free and the content is RACGP and ACRRM accredited. A fruit breakfast, tea and coffee will be provided by WA Primary Health Alliance. Attendance is also available via video link so regional and remote registrars are not excluded from attending. For more information, including details on registering, please download the flyer.
Representatives from the Australian Digital Health Agency (AHDA) held a “Security in Healthcare” workshop in Perth on 12 June. The session discussed how a security first culture can protect healthcare organisations - prevention being better than cure! A range of materials can be accessed via the Australian Digital Health Agency website to help promote awareness of information security and provide practical advice:
The guidance materials can be accessed on the ADHA website.
As a healthcare provider, soon you and your patients will be able to view a list of all Pharmacist Shared Medicines Lists (PSML) that have been uploaded to a My Health Record. This is a list of medicines a consumer is known to be taking including prescribed, over-the-counter (OTC) and complementary medicines at the time the list is created. A small number of software vendors have started to develop code in their products so that pharmacists can upload PSMLs in clinical practice. It is expected that these capabilities will be progressively rolled out throughout the 2019-20 financial year. A Pharmacist Shared Medicines List (PSML) contains information about the medicines your patient was known to be taking at the time the list was created. The list includes medicines that have been prescribed to the patient by their doctors and other non-prescription medicines that they may be taking (such as aspirin) and other known over the-counter medicines. A Pharmacist Shared Medicines List could be created by:
Please contact your Primary Health Liaison or a member of the My Health record team at WAPHA via myhealthrecord@wapha.org.au for assistance.
The National Pregnancy Care Guidelines have recently been updated to include new content in the following chapters:
You can also find a suite of Health Professional Summary Sheets, which are based directly on the content of the Pregnancy Care Guidelines, and which include key information such as recommendations, information on tests, and practice summaries. They are designed for health professionals caring for pregnant women and are intended to accompany the Pregnancy Care Guidelines.
During the winter months there are lots of people around who may be unwell with a cold or flu. This can be a dangerous time for someone who has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and catching these viruses can put them at risk of a flare-up. COPD is the most common cause of potentially preventable hospitalisations. Preventing a flare-up is important because, if left untreated, it can mean hospitalisation, and each flare-up also does further damage to the lungs. Know the early signs of a flare-up because the sooner treatment is accessed, the quicker their recovery is likely to be. These include:
The Lung Foundation Australia has collated a Come Prepared pack, with resources including posters, flyers and promotional content, for both patients and health professionals.
If you’re a GP working in Australian general practice, researchers at the University of Melbourne would like to hear about your chlamydia management practices and your opinion on some proposed strategies to support care of patients with a chlamydia infection. If you would like to participate, please click here or you can find more information by downloading the flyer.
Comcare recognises the critical role general practitioners (GPs) play in helping people with ill health or injury to recover and participate in work. To support this role, we have produced a new resource for GPs on assessing capacity for patients with a psychological condition. Presented by consultant psychiatrist Dr Dielle Felman, the five minute video provides better practice information and recommendations for treating health practitioners on how to practically assess capacity for work with a psychological condition. The resources is also useful for those supporting workers with a psychological condition, such as practice nurses, psychologists and physiotherapists, to understand how capacity has been assessed and certified. -
All events are listed on our Webinars and Workshops page.
The new PIP QI is commencing on August 1 2019. WA Primary Health Alliance invites you to attend our series of sessions designed to provide practices with the opportunity to learn about the new Practice Incentives Payments for Quality Improvement (PIP QI) and how to use PEN CS to support ongoing quality improvement in your practice. If your practice is using or is interested in having the PENCAT4 data extraction tool installed or would like to know more about the Australian Government's new PIP QI payments then consider attending one of our sessions. Interactive sessions will be available for practices who are new to data sharing and quality improvement and experienced used with an advanced knowledge. In these sessions we will cover:
To register for any of the sessions, please click here
The Course in Ear and Hearing Health aims to provide eligible students specific skills and knowledge to perform ear health examinations, basic point of care hearing evaluations, management strategies and referral processes for further or specialist care in relation to a range of conditions, based on detailed knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the auditory system. Date: Friday 21 June 2019 Time: 8.45am – 4.30pm Venue: Technology Park Function Centre, 2 Brodie-Hall Drive, Bentley WA 6102 Cost: $475 per person Register: To register, please click here
The South West Health Professionals' Network will provide local health, nursing and medical practitioners with a central hub to access education events and resources, local news and an opportunity to network with other health professionals in the South West. Date: Wednesday 26 June 2019 Time: 6.00pm - 7.30pm (please arrive from 5.30pm) Venue: Undulup Room, City of Busselton, 2 Southern Drive, Busselton Cost: Free (light refreshments provided) Register: RSVP by 21 June by emailing bonniea@gpdownsouth.com.au or phone 08 9754 3662
St John of God Raphael Services is inviting midwives, practice nurses, GPs and obstetricians to attend free workshops, led by Professor Marie-Paule Austin, to understand and apply the psychosocial risk assessment using and scoring the Antenatal Risk Questionnaire (ANRQ). This training will enable health professionals to identify circumstances that affect a woman’s mental health and reduce the potential negative impact on infants and families. There are two training workshops, one tailored for midwives and practice nurses, the other for GPs and obstetricians. Date: Thursday June 27 (midwives and practice nurses) and Saturday June 29 (GPs and obstetricians) Time: 2.00pm – 4.45pm (27 June) and 9.00am - 11.30am (29 June) Venue: University Club of WA, Entrance 1, Hackett Drive, Crawley WA 6009 Cost: Free Register: To register, please click here
The 2019 Aboriginal Health Conference Kids on Country will emphasise the importance of children and youth in Aboriginal communities and provide a forum to exchange ideas on the key issues relating to the health of Aboriginal children.
To continue to aim for health equity for Aboriginal children and communities, health professionals need an enhanced understanding of culturally competent care and the links between the environment and the health of Aboriginal children.
The presentations and workshops at this conference will cover aspects of clinical care, research, community programs, emerging health issues and social determinants of health. The conference will also identify strategies to support the role of traditional interactions in Aboriginal communities. Date: Saturday 6 July and Sunday 7 July 2019 Time: 9.00am - 5.30pm (registrations from 8.30am) Venue: Parmelia Hilton Perth, 14 Mill St, Perth WA 6000 Cost: Click here for more information, including costs Register: To register, please click here
Run and accredited by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, this one-day Advanced Life Support (ALS) course was developed to meet the needs of general practitioners in the management of common emergencies in rural practice. The course incorporates key aspects of Advanced Life Support skills in accordance with the Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines.
The course is conducted by expert instructors experienced in rural general practice. Date: Saturday 13 July 2019 Time: TBC Venue: Mercure Perth, Irwin St, Perth WA 6000 Cost: $1,395 (ACRRM members), $1,545 (non-members) Register: To register, please click here
Rural Emergency Obstetrics Training (REOT) is a one-day workshop designed to equip non-obstetric practitioners with vital emergency obstetric skills.
REOT is relevant to any type of doctor, in any location. This course covers normal birthing procedures as well as common birthing emergencies. It will boost your skills and confidence when dealing with third trimester emergencies. Date: Sunday 14 July 2019 Time: TBC Venue: Mercure Perth, Irwin St, Perth WA 6000 Cost: $1,695 (ACRRM members), $1,895 (non-members) Register: To register, please click here
You are invited to the Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre for an update on the latest information regarding the management of Type 1 Diabetes along with the opportunity to tour the facilities available to your patients and their families. Find out more about
Date: Tuesday 16 July 2019 Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm Venue: Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre, 11 Limosa Close, Stiring WA 6021 Cost: Free Register: To register, please click here or download the flyer by clicking here
The General Practice Conference & Exhibition (GPCE) in Perth is WA's leading CPD event for primary care, and is recognised as one of the most important CPD events on the general practice calendar. GPCE welcomes over 300 healthcare professionals to meet, update knowledge, earn CPD points, and see the latest innovations specific to primary care. THE GPCE 2019 program has been designed to suit the changing needs of all primary care professionals, with high quality CPD content in four categories. Practice These sessions will allow you to update and refresh knowledge, get the latest clinical education, earn CPD points and gain confidence, whilst focusing on practical, simple, useful tips and takeaways. Business If your focus for 2019 is improving your business, these sessions will cover the foundations of practice, profitability, team, risk, reputation, systems, operations and more! Life Turning the stethoscope round to you! If 2018 has taken the stuffing out of you, these sessions will focus on personal health and well-being, work-life balance, time management, communication skills and more. Curiosity Feed your curiosity and learn more about what's new now and what's coming. Covering technology, research, and what others are doing, these sessions and guaranteed to inspire. Date: Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July 2019 Time: 8.15am - 4.45pm (education sessions) Venue: Crown Perth Convention Centre, Great Eastern Highway, Burswood WA 6100 Cost: Please click here for delegate admission costs Register: To register, please click here
Do you want to make a bigger difference in people's lives by enabling them to manage their own health, wellbeing and lifestyle choices? The Better Questions workshop offers highly effective communication strategies and practical tips that will enable you to enhance your communication skills and professional practice. Date: Thursday 8 August 2019 Time: 9.00am - 3.30pm (education sessions) Venue: The Boulevard Centre, 99 The Boulevard, Floreat WA 6014 Cost: $330 per person Register: Please click here to download the flyer and registration form
Presented by North Metropolitan Health Service and Sir Charles Gairdner and Osborne Park Health Care Group in partnership with WA Primary Health Alliance and HealthPathways WA. This event will focus on some areas of healthcare where a collaborative, shared approach between hospital clinicians and GPs will improve patient outcomes. Presentations will be brief, interactive and case-based. Final details are still being confirmed, but topics are anticipated to include mental health and other chronic diseases. Date: Saturday 17 August 2019 Time: 8.30am - 3.30pm (registrations from 8.00am)) Venue: Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, East & West Joske Rooms, Hospital Ave, Nedlands WA 6009 Cost: Free (morning tea and lunch provided) Register: To register, please click here RSVP: By Friday 9 August
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine presents this ultrasound workshop offering an introduction and instruction on the use of Ultrasound in Emergency Medicine, trauma, and critical care for the rural generalist or general practitioner with minimal experience in using ultrasound in practice.
A major feature of this workshop is the 'hands-on' practice using live patient models, guided by highly experienced clinical application specialists, sonographers, and clinicians. This course has been designed to cover more common situations that may arise in the Emergency Department, in practice, or basic anaesthetics. Content may vary course to course dependent on the particular skills of the clinical facilitator. Date: Saturday 31 August 2019 Time: TBC Venue: Novotel Langley Perth, 221 Adelaide Terrace, Perth WA 6000 Cost: $795 (ACRRM members), $1,015 (non members) Register: To register, please click here
The Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) is holding its National Conference in Melbourne from 2 to 5 September, 2019.
The ACNP Conference is a fantastic opportunity to bring together Nurse Practitioners, Advanced Practice Nurses and Health Professionals. As the flagship event for the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners, the theme 'Transforming Health Care' recognises the dimensions of practice and contribution made by Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Practice Nurses across Australia.
Date: Monday 16 September to Thursday 19 September 2019 Time: 7.00am - 5.00pm daily (click here for the program) Venue: Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, 21 Mounts Bay Rd, Perth WA 6000 Cost: Click here for information on delegate costs Register: To register, please click here
The 2019 AAPM National Conference will once again be filled with a range of dynamic and inspirational speakers, workshops and its social events, as well as a celebration of AAPM’s 40th Anniversary! Join AAPM for another exciting conference and celebrate as they acknowledge 40 years of the Australian Association of Practice Management.
Date: Tuesday 1 October to Friday 4 October 2019 Time: Please click here for the conference program Venue: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Merivale St and Glenelg St, South Brisbane Cost: Please see registrations page for delegate costs - early bird registrations available Register: To register, please click here
Rural Medicine Australia (RMA) is the peak national event for rural and remote doctors of Australia. Hosted by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA), RMA attracts a diverse and collaborative community of junior doctors, students, educators, academics, and medical practitioners who are passionate about generalist medicine in rural and remote communities. Date: Wednesday 23 October to Saturday 26 October 2019 Time: Please click here for the conference program Venue: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach QLD 4218 Cost: Please click here for delegate costs (early bird registrations available until 31 May) Register: To register, please click here
GP19: Your patients Your community Your solutions will see a transition into a full clinical update conference. With an exciting new format delivering dynamic education with a focus on topics that affect GPs in their clinical settings. You will also experience an extensive array of hands-on, interactive and highly engaging sessions with take away skills to implement in your everyday practice. Date: Thursday 24 October to Saturday 26 October 2019 Time: Please click here for the conference program Venue: Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000 Cost: Click here for information on delegate costs - early bird registrations available until 1 August Register: Registrations open shortly
Presented by Fiona Stanley Hospital and Diabetes WA in partnership with WA Primary Health Alliance and HealthPathways WA. Workshops and presentations include:
Date: Saturday 2 November 2019 Time: 8.30am - 4.00pm (registrations from 8.00am) Venue: Education Building, Fiona Stanley Hospital, 11 Robin Warren Drive, Murdoch Cost: Free (morning tea and lunch provided) Register: To register, please click here RSVP: By Friday 25 October
The Department of Health produces a Health Calendar of Events, which can be accessed here.
A highlight of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is Red Apple Day (Wednesday, 19 June 2019), when Australians are encouraged to support the vital work of Bowel Cancer Australia through the purchase of a Bowel Cancer Awareness Ribbon and apple themed fundraising activities. Bowel Cancer Australia's apple logo is symbolic of the charity's bowel cancer message: bowel cancer is treatable and beatable if detected early. The outline of Bowel Cancer Australia's apple logo appears as an abstract of a human bowel. The small hole in the apple is caused by a worm. If detected early and removed, the worm is unable to continue affecting the apple or the health of the tree. It's the same with people. If bowel cancer is detected early it can be successfully treated, which means patients and their families can continue to enjoy a healthy life. Both red and green apples are also a nutritious source of dietary fibre. Red Apple Pins and Bowel Cancer Awareness Ribbons (as well as other merchandise) can be purchased from the Bowel Cancer Australia online store. For details on hosting a Red Apple Day fundraising event visit the Planning Your Fundraiser webpage.