Issue 225 – 24 July 2025
| Welcome to Practice Connect, a fortnightly update for practice managers, principals, nurses and administration staff on relevant issues, upcoming events and education. |
New Chronic Condition Management resources to support general practices
MBS Online has recently published the Upcoming Changes to Chronic Disease Management Framework confirming the new framework for chronic condition management from 1 July 2025.
New CCM Resources have been released to support general practices with making small but manageable changes and to adapt to the new GP Chronic Conditions Management MBS Items.
These resources are designed to enhance your current dedication to quality improvement in the management of patients with chronic conditions. Key focus areas include:
- Promoting MyMedicare registration to improve continuity of care
- Defining team roles and optimizing your care model
- Improving efficiencies and workflows
- Utilising data to swiftly identify and engage patients
- Strengthening proactive care planning and regular reviews
- Enhancing communication within your practice and with your patients
Where can I find more information:
- Upcoming changes to the MBS Chronic Disease Management Framework
- Upcoming changes to MBS Chronic Disease Management Arrangements
- Chronic Disease Management plan – Health professionals
- MBS Changes July 2025 Chronic Condition Management (Fact Sheet)
For further support on MyMedicareand Chronic Condition Management resources, or to connect with our Quality Improvement Team please contact the Practice Assist Help Desk on 1800 2 ASSIST (1800 2 277 478) or 08 6278 7900 or via email practiceassist@wapha.org.au
Register now – Webinar – Understanding bulk billing changes for GPs and practices
The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing invites GPs and general practices to attend a webinar on upcoming changes to bulk billing, including:
- the expansion of bulk billing incentives to all Medicare-eligible Australians.
- the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP).
From 1 November 2025, these changes will:
- provide additional funding to GPs and practices that bulk bill their patients.
- establish the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program which will provide an additional 12.5% incentive payment when GPs and their practice bulk bill all eligible patients for all eligible services.
- support patients to access the primary care services they need.
The webinar will demonstrate how more than 4,800 practices will be financially better off if they switch to bulk billing, explain how to join BBPIP, and provide time for a Q&A.
Providing practices tailored support to embed the General Practice in Aged Care Incentive
The General Practice in Aged Care Incentive (GPACI) brings general practitioners and their care team into residential aged care homes to regularly visit patients and coordinate their care. Primary Care Navigators (PCNs) from WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) have been assisting practices across the state by providing tailored support and resources to meet the requirements of the GPACI.
Karen Armstrong, Practice Manager at St James Family Medical in Hamilton Hill, explained that her practice team was struggling to navigate the GPACI requirements but managed to overcome the challenges with the support of their local PCN.
“The help we received from our PCN was invaluable. I was struggling to get onto the PRODA account and now it runs like a dream. We have a spreadsheet that we keep up to date every week and now we have almost a full quota on the MyMedicare GPACI list. We truly appreciate the support we have been given,” Ms Armstrong said.
Chandrika Nair, Practice Manager at High Wycombe Medical Clinic, expressed her gratitude for the guidance and proactive support provided by her practice’s PCN.
“Our PCN’s professional dedication towards ensuring that our participation was successful has been commendable. She was supportive in providing us with the modular support to achieve our intended results. Under her guidance, we were able to receive the incentive from this program. She is proactive, understanding and a helpful person,” Ms Nair said.
Dr Kiran Ramegowda from Doctors Corner in Bedford also praised his local PCN for simplifying the GPACI registration process and providing support tailored to his practice’s needs.
“It was very complex going through the registration process. Our PCN came into the practice and made it so easy to understand, I could fulfil the steps with relative ease and she was always available for any clarification. She provided a tailormade excel spreadsheet to keep track of things too. The leadership and support she has provided is commendable,” Mr Ramegowda said.
For further information and resources, visit the MyMedicare GPACI section on the Practice Assist website. If you would like to book in a GPACI support session with your local PCN, call Practice Assist on 1800 2 ASSIST (1800 2 277 478 or 08 6278 7900) or email practiceassist@wapha.org.au
Celebrating 10 years of impact
July 2025 marks the ten-year anniversary of WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA).
As the operator of Western Australia’s three Primary Health Networks (PHNs), WAPHA has a responsibility to improve access to affordable, quality health care for people and communities most at risk of poor health outcomes.
It’s a mission that’s as challenging as it is rewarding, and WAPHA’s path to becoming one of the most forward-thinking and innovative PHN operators in Australia has been powered by the organisation’s people and our commitment to collaboration.
“Our one health system approach working alongside GPs, allied health professionals, contracted service providers, and state health, has led to improvements in health outcomes for those most at risk,” WAPHA CEO Bernie Kenny said.
“Our people live the values and embody the mission of this organisation every day, and our partnerships enable us to connect care, contract services, and turn our mission into measurable impact.”
The past ten years have seen WAPHA grow and evolve, in line with the Australian Government’s increasing mandate for PHNs.
Continue reading here.
Help celebrate the best and brightest in rural health – Nominations now open for the 2026 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards!
The WA Rural Health Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate health professionals who have dedicated their careers to providing exceptional care in rural communities across Western Australia.
Rural Health West invite you to nominate a colleague who has made significant contribution to rural health, or encourage your patients to nominate you if they believe your work has made a difference in their lives. This is a wonderful opportunity to shine a spotlight on the hard work and commitment of rural health professionals.
Award Categories:
- Aboriginal Health Professional of the Year
- Allied Health Professional of the Year
- Clinical Leader of the Year
- Community Health Professional of the Year
- General Practitioner (GP) of the Year
- Health Team of the Year
- Nurse or Midwife of the Year
- Specialist (Non-GP) of the Year
- Young Professional of the Year
To learn more about each award category and the nomination criteria, please visit the 2026 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards website.
Nominations close 2 September 2025
Rural GP workforce report
Rural Health West’s (RHW) Rural General Practice in Western Australia – Annual Workforce Update 2024 is now available online and in hard copy (on request).
This report describes general practitioner numbers and locations and identifies trends including age, gender, turnover, working hours, length of employment and numbers of proceduralists, international medical graduates, and GP registrars.
RHW would like to thank everyone who participated in the annual GP survey to inform the report. The 2025 annual GP survey will be distributed to you in the next few months, so please keep watch on your inboxes and mail.
Affordable Physiotherapy at Curtin University
Looking for quality physiotherapy for your patients
The Curtin Student-Led Physiotherapy Clinic offers care for musculoskeletal conditions — open to everyone and easy to access.
Located at the Curtin Health and Wellness Centre, care is provided by physiotherapy students in their final years of study, and intermittently, post-graduate physiotherapy students. All consultations are closely supervised by experienced physiotherapists in our professional treatment areas.
What patients can expect:
- Evidence-guided, patient-focused care
- Professional treatment rooms
- Support for a wide range of musculoskeletal issues
Treatment including:
- Back pain
- Neck pain and headaches
- Sports injuries (sprains, strains, etc.)
- Post-surgery or injury rehab
- Arthritis and joint pain
Patient referrals:
Self -referrals are welcome by calling 9266 1717 to book.
Health professionals can refer clients via our easy-to-use referral form.
Visit the Curtin Physiotherapy Clinic website today to learn more about opening hours and services.
New WA Immunisation Strategy 2024-2028
The WA Department of Health has officially launched the Western Australian Immunisation Strategy 2024 – 2028.
The strategy aims to reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases, improve access, acceptance, and uptake of immunisation and enhance systems that provide and support immunisation service delivery.
This strategy, aligned with the National Immunisation Strategy, highlights how important a collaborative approach is when navigating and responding to existing and emerging diseases.
Immunisation providers are a trusted source of information and often, the primary influence in a patient’s decision making.
Research has shown that recommendation from a health care provider is a leading influence on vaccination decision-making. Immunisation providers play a central role in achieving the strategy’s goals.
NCIRS resources: Vaccination for people with immunocompromise – frequently asked questions and webinar videos
The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) has published a new frequently asked questions resource on vaccination for people with immunocompromise to support and summarise the expanded Australian Immunisation Handbook chapter on the same topic.
NCIRS also hosted a webinar titled “Navigating vaccination for immunocompromised patients” on 25 June 2025. The recording of the webinar is now available on the NCIRS website.
Read the FAQ’s here.
To watch the webinar, click here.
Monitoring the safety of the maternal respiratory syncytial virus vaccine in WA
The WA Department of Health is monitoring the safety of Abrysvo for adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) and newborn outcomes as part of the 2025 WA Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infant and Maternal Immunisation Program.
Key points:
- In WA, one AEFI report of anaphylaxis following Abrysvo has been reported and received clinical follow-up.
- As at 30 May 2025, 28.7 per cent of people (51/178) reported a common and expected AEFI following Abrysvo via the SmartVax survey.
- Two incorrect administrations of RSV immunisation products have been reported.
Read more on how WA Health is monitoring safety of Abrysvo in the July edition of GP Connect.
Education Event – Cervical Screening update
Presented by Rural Health West and Pilbara Health Professionals Network
Multiple dates and times
Join Noni Osland, Health Professional Education Officer at the WA Cervical Cancer Prevention Program to discuss the 2025 updates to the National Cervical Screening Guidelines. Sessions will equip all health professionals with the knowledge to discuss and implement these guidelines effectively, ensuring improved patient care and outcomes in the Pilbara region. It will be a one-hour event including a presentation and Q&A opportunities.
- Paraburdoo | Monday 18 August 2025 | 5.30pm–7.00pm
- Tom Price | Tuesday 19 August 2025 | 5.30pm–7.00pm
- Newman | Wednesday 20 August 2025 | 1.00pm–2.00pm
Australian Vaccinology Course – boost your impact in immunisation
Presented by NCIRS in Partnership with The University of Sydney
28 August until 30 August 2025 (in-person)
The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) has launched the inaugural Australian Vaccinology Course, a new in-person program designed for professionals seeking a deep, evidence-based understanding of vaccines, immunology and vaccination programs.
Informed and delivered by Australian and international experts, the immersive program will equip you with the critical knowledge and skills required to:
- confidently navigate the complex landscape of vaccine science and policymaking
- address immunisation program-related questions from diverse stakeholders and play a pivotal role in improving vaccine uptake.
Whether you’re involved in policymaking, clinical practice, public health or research, this course will empower you to contribute meaningfully to local and national immunisation strategies; enhance vaccine decision-making processes; and become a trusted advocate for immunisation in your community and country.
The event will be held at the Q Station in Manly, Sydney from 28-30 August 2025, with a one-day option available to attend the Essential immunisation provider update on Saturday 30 August 2025.
Register your interest now: free bowel cancer screening training
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program Learning Hub is here to support you to have bowel screening chats with patients.
Bowel cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in Australia despite being only the fourth-most diagnosed cancer. However, when detected early, 90% of cases can be successfully treated.
Hosted by GPEX, the free online learning hub will offer:
- CPD-accredited training and events across Australia and online
- downloadable resources and clinical guidance
- practical tools to help encourage more people to screen.
Events are starting soon. Register your interest on the learning hub on the GPEX website.
Lung Cancer Screening mobile service
Heart of Australia is the official provider of mobile CT to rural and remote Australia for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP). World-first technology allows Heart of Australia to deliver mobile battery-powered CT to remote communities, reaching more patients and providing greater access to healthcare.
In August, Heart of Australia’s prototype truck, Heart 5, is visiting initial locations for the service (below). We welcome all service providers to book a tour using the QR code below.
Kimberley
- Halls Creek
- Fitzroy Crossing
- Derby
- Bidyadanga
Pilbara
- Newman
- Tom Price
- Paraburdoo
- Roebourne
Mid-West
- Meekatharra
- Exmouth
The regular NLCSP service will commence from late November, with quarterly visits scheduled (referral and recall dependent).
Service Delivery Plans are currently in development in partnership with service providers in these communities and surrounds. For more information on service delivery and participant bookings, please email deb.g@heartofaustralia.com
Lung cancer screening saves lives
The new National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) is now available for eligible Australians aged 50 to 70 with a smoking history and no signs or symptoms of lung cancer.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in Australia and is often detected in the later stages when symptoms are present.
The program aims to improve health outcomes for Australians by increasing early detection of lung cancer amongst those at highest risk.
When found early, over 65% of lung cancers can be successfully treated.
By finding more lung cancers in the early stages, this program is expected to save hundreds of lives each year.
To raise broad awareness of the program among eligible Australians and their friends and family, and to support the launch of the program in July, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has launched a suite of Lung Cancer Screening Saves Lives resources.
The full integrated communications campaign will commence from mid-September.
Share with your patients
Help to increase awareness about this new program by promoting the messaging and images with your patients and their networks.
To support you, a communications toolkit has been developed with content for your social media, newsletters and other digital channels.
The earlier cancer is found, the better our chances of treating it. Your support in raising awareness about the NLCSP could help save lives from lung cancer.
Access the resources and toolkit here.
World Hepatitis Day is 28 July 2025
World Hepatitis Day, held on 28 July, is an international annual day observed by the United Nations and one of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) nine officially mandated global public health days.
World Hepatitis Day is an opportunity to step up national and international efforts on hepatitis, encourage actions and engagement by individuals, partners and the public and highlight the need for a greater global response as outlined in the WHO’s Global hepatitis report of 2017.
World Hepatitis Day in Australia
In Australia, World Hepatitis Day is coordinated by the national peak body Hepatitis Australia to raise awareness and promote action on viral hepatitis. Hepatitis Australia’s vision is to see an end to viral hepatitis in Australia.
The aim for World Hepatitis Day 2025 in Australia is to mobilise action on the elimination of viral hepatitis in Australia supported by national coordination.
Get involved!
Australia has committed to eliminating hepatitis B and hepatitis C by 2030 — but we won’t get there without action.
Check out the different ways your practice can get involved in this year’s World Hepatitis Day!
Rural Health West Workforce Solutions – Meet the team
Presented by Rural Health West
29 July 2025 (12.30pm to 1.30pm)
The Workforce Solutions team at Rural Health West (RHW) are a dedicated and friendly bunch who would love to meet you and tell you more about what they can do for you!
RHW are hosting a webinar on Tuesday 29 July at 12.30pm. This is a great opportunity to learn more about what they do to support the recruitment and retention of rural health practitioners across our beautiful state.
In just the last year, RHW have placed over 60 permanent recruits, 85 Nursing Midwifery Dental Allied Health (NMDAH) placements and 14 fulltime GPs via their locums’ program as well as 44 future workforce engagement activities.
This is just the tip of the iceberg regarding what they do at RHW.
Please register your attendance here.
If you have any specific questions, email RHW prior to the session at recruit@ruralhealthwest.com.au
Webinar: National Lung Cancer Screening Program
Presented by WA Primary Health Alliance
7 August 2025 (7pm to 8pm)
Join us for an informative webinar about the newly released National Lung Cancer Screening Program.
Webinar topics:
- The National Lung Cancer Screening Program.
- The importance of integrating the National Cancer Screening Register into software.
- The new Clinician Assist pathway about the National Lung Cancer Screening Program.
To find out more, view the flyer and register today.
Nurse Forum: Celebrating and Advancing Primary Care
Presented by WA Primary Health Alliance
13 August (6pm – 8pm)
Join us for an in-person evening event recognising and supporting practice nurses working in general practice across the Perth metropolitan region.
The forum will offer valuable networking opportunities and deliver tailored professional support for general practice nurses, fostering peer connection, shared learning and practical tools to enhance their role in primary care.
To find out more, view the flyer and register today.
De-escalation workshops – registrations extended to all general practices
Presented by WA Primary Health Alliance and Benchmarque Group
Multiple Times & Dates Online
Aggression and violence in healthcare settings are a serious issue. An increasing number of healthcare workers, particularly nurses and frontline staff, are reporting exposure to a high prevalence of verbal and physical aggression.
By employing specific de-escalation techniques healthcare professionals can take better control of their emotions, gain deeper understanding of their client and the situation, therefore preventing the escalation of volatile behaviour.
On successful completion of the program, you will be able to:
- Recognise the psychological factors that drive escalation, and how the brain’s threat response affects behaviour during conflict
- Apply practical self-regulation and emotional self-management techniques
- Apply techniques on emotional regulation while demonstrating empathy and respect during conflict
- Employ communication strategies to shift individuals from reactive, emotion-driven states to more rational, calm states through de-escalation practices
- Create an environment that reduces triggers for escalation, ensuring patient and staff safety
- Balancing patient care and maintaining safety and policy management in the healthcare setting
- De-escalation training equips healthcare workers with the skills and knowledge to manage challenging behaviour effectively and prevent escalations into more severe incidents.
As there are limited spaces available, please register as soon as possible to ensure a place at the workshop.
Originally intended for Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, we are now pleased to extend registrations to all general practices to fill the remaining slots.
View the below flyers for more information to register:
- Clarkson – 19 August 2025 (morning and afternoon sessions)
- Morley – 20 August 2025 (morning and afternoon sessions)
- Midland – 21 August 2025 (morning and afternoon sessions)
- Beeliar – 1 September 2025 (morning and afternoon sessions)
- Rockingham – 2 September 2025 (morning and afternoon sessions)
- Bunbury – 4 September 2025 (morning and afternoon sessions)
Register now for a Clinician Assist WA live demonstration
Presented by Clinician Assist WA
Multiple Times & Dates Online
Clinician Assist WA is a secure website providing GPs and other health professionals with guidance for assessing, managing and referring patients across Western Australia. It has replaced HealthPathways WA, offering the same trusted local guidance, features and functionality and remains available at no cost.
The Clinician Assist WA team will run online demonstrations facilitated by a GP Clinical Editor throughout 2025 to support users. These sessions will demonstrate how to maximise integration of Clinician Assist WA into your clinical practice. Learn key functionalities of the website and how to access condition specific tools and resources, Referral Access Criteria (RAC) (where available), GPbook Specialist Directory and visiting specialist rosters.
Sessions have been approved for 1 CPD Educational Hour with RACGP and will be held online on the following dates:
Demonstrations are open to general practitioners, general practice staff and other health professionals registered to practice in WA.
Other Webinars, Events & Workshops
| WA Hepatitis B for Nurses and Midwives Presented by ASHM 25 July |
| BreastScreen WA visit to Laverton Presented by BreastScreen WA 28 July to 30 July |
| WA HIV Prescriber Update – HIV and the Heart & Mind Presented by ASHM 29 July |
| 2025 AAPM Perth Reception/Admin Educare Presented by AAPM 31 July |
| 2025 AAPM Perth Practice Management Educare Presented by AAPM 1 August |
| Breakfast Education Series: Breastfeeding – How Do We Create Sustainable Support Systems? Presented by Rural Health West and Pilbara Health Professionals Network 6 August |
| WA Ear and Hearing Health Forum 2025 Presented by Rural Health West and Aboriginal Health Council of WA 7 August and 8 August |
| Early career GP conference Presented by RACGP 9 August and 10 August |
| Aboriginal Health Conference 2025 Presented by Rural Health West and WA Country Health Service 9 August and 10 August |
| BreastScreen WA visit to Halls Creek Presented by BreastScreen WA 7 August to 12 August |
| BreastScreen WA visit to West Lamington (Kalgoorlie) Presented by BreastScreen WA 7 August to 21 November |
| BreastScreen WA visit to Warmun Presented by BreastScreen WA 14 August to 15 August |
| Education Event: Karratha Wound Care Workshop Presented by Rural Health West and Pilbara Health Professionals Network 15 August |
| BreastScreen WA visit to Wyndham Presented by BreastScreen WA 19 August to 20 August |
| Networking Event: Newman Social Sundowner for Health Professionals Presented by Rural Health West and Pilbara Health Professionals Network 20 August |
| BreastScreen WA visit to Kununurra Presented by BreastScreen WA 21 August to 17 September |
| Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Training Primary Care Support Staff Workshop (Rockingham) Presented by Wesley LifeForce 16 September |
| Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Training Primary Care Support Staff Workshop (Mandurah) Presented by Wesley LifeForce 17 September |
| National Kidney Summit 2025 Presented by Kidney Health Australia 10 October |
| ACNP National Conference Presented by Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) 29 October to 31 October |
| Asia Pacific Autism Conference (APAC) Presented by Autism Association of Western Australia 13 November to 15 November |
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.
