1. LEGISLATION: Mandate to allow doctors to charge a gap fee only on top of a bulk-billed consultation. 2. TIME: Look to relative value of time. Have equally weighted six-minute time slots — six, 12, 18 minutes and so on. This recognises some quality medicine can occur in six minutes, but this is not unduly rewarded […]
Read MoreGeneral practice is efficient and economic – look elsewhere for savings
02 MarFIRSTLY, the core principles are: the Hippocratic oath; the health system is fair; the health system is affordable; the people of Australia pay for all the medical expenses through tax, insurance and out-of-pocket costs; first-world medicine for all Australians; doctors are doctors for a reason; nurses are nurses, and pharmacists are pharmacists. INTRODUCTION The current […]
Read MoreSick notes for mental illness harder to get
02 MarGPs recommend sick notes differently depending on whether a patient has a physical or mental illness, a UK study has found. According to researchers, it appears to be ‘easier’ for people who present with physical conditions to obtain a sick note from their GP, while discussions about sick notes for mental health more often have […]
Read MoreDoctor-rating website using AHPRA records
02 MarAHPRA says a mysterious new website that lets patients anonymously rate their doctors is using the agency’s records without permission. The DoctorInspector website – which bills itself as an “open crowdsource doctor rating site” – has been the subject of several complaints to the agency in the past weeks. Many Australian health professionals – from […]
Read MoreWork related self-education expenses
30 JulThe government’s decision to impose a $2,000 cap on tax deductions for work-related self-education expenses will impact on workers in the health and medical fields who spend considerable amounts on self-education annually. Health workers are required to undertake diverse training, in both VET and private education courses. This ensures they keep up to date with […]
Read MoreChanges to the private health insurance rebate
28 JulThe private health insurance rebate is an amount that the government contributes towards the cost of private health insurance premiums. The majority of people with private health insurance claim the rebate as a reduction in the amount of premiums they pay to their private health insurers (known as premium reduction). From 1 July 2012, the private […]
Read MoreNet medical tax expenses – phase out
14 MayThe Budget included an announcement that the net medical expenses tax offset (NMETO) would be phased out from 1 July 2013, with a saving of $963.5 million over four years. Transitional arrangements will allow taxpayers who incur medical costs for disability aids, attendant care or aged care expenses, to continue to claim the NMETO until […]
Read MoreWork health and safety laws
26 JanLegislation forms the basis of the medical practice’s policies and procedures. It is compulsory for a workplace to abide by these laws. Legislation states there is a legal obligation for the employer to show a duty of care towards their employees. A duty of care means they have to anticipate any possible cause of injury […]
Read MoreMedicare service changes
08 JanAll Medicare Service Centres are now cashless and have ceased evening trading. Medicare benefits will be paid straight into your bank account – either by simply swiping your debit card at a service centre for instant access to your benefit, or by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to have your benefit paid into your bank account […]
Read MoreBSBOHS201A ‘Participate in OHS processes’ has been superseded
18 DecBSBOHS201A ‘Participate in OHS processes” has been superseded by and equivalent to BSBWHS201A – Contribute to health and safety of self and others. Terminology has been updated to reflect new work health and safety legislation. Critical aspects revised. Guidance information for assessment amended. Due to the change in the health and safety unit, BSB31112 – […]
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