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August 1999 | |
CONTENTS
MoU News
PHACS Update
Victorian Success in National Innovation Pool Funding
Accreditation Update
Monthly Software Tasting
GP Links - Status Report
From the Board of GPDV - 12 July 1999
New MBS Items
Resignation of Paul Hemming
DHS 24 Hour Health Information, Advice and Referral Service
Coming Events - August
National Divisions Forum - 25-27 August 1999: Energising primary health care through Divisions
New Staff at GPDV
The ADGP Board met on the 28 July and, on the basis of the response from divisions, resolved to support the signing of the revised MoU. This follows considerable progress being made in the negotiations in partnership with the RACGP and the RDAA.
In a message to Australian Divisions issued on 29 July John Aloizos, the Chair of ADGP stated "The ADGP Board recognises that the revised MoU covers a range of initiatives aimed at addressing the previous erosion in GP remuneration and conditions. As such, the revised MoU forms the baseline for future and continued negotiations between the profession and government to ensure the central role of general practitioners in our health system and the sustainability and viability of general practice in Australia".
The RACGP also issued a press statement on the 26 July indicating its decision to sign subject to the agreed changes and recognition that current MBS fees are inadequate and that this should be addressed in relation to the outcomes of the Relative Values Study.
One of the significant gains from a division perspective in the revised MOU includes the identification of specific funding for the Divisions’ Program ("a minimum of $317m over the 4 years"). Other issues to be addressed include those relating to the use of private health insurance to cover gap payments for GP consultations after implementation of the RVS; reduction in payment lags in the HIC to the lowest possible levels over the life of the agreement; further initiatives for rural general practice; and research into general practice morale, lifestyle and career path issues.
DHS has received proposals for PHACS demonstration projects from most areas of Victoria. It is anticipated that announcements of successful projects will be made in mid August. The selection of integrated disease management projects that are eligible for approximately $1 million over three years will be made from the successful PHACS demonstration projects.
DHS is hopeful that the new MBS items identified in the May 1999 budget will facilitate GP involvement in PHACS demonstration projects at the clinical level.
Victorian Success in National Innovation Pool Funding
Congratulations to the Victorian divisions that have been successful in their submissions to the National Innovation Pool funding. They include:
For a full listing of National Innovation Grants contact Lenora Lippmann at GPDV.
As at the 23rd July 1999 47% of all practices have registered nationally. Registrations on a state by state basis are:
ACT 41%
NSW 36%
NT 29%
Qld 61%
SA 55%
Tas 61%
Vic 61%
WA 48%
Monthly Software Tasting
Every month at GPDV Division IT Officers/Advocates can attend a presentation by leading medical and practice management software vendors. Recent sessions have included a "walk through" of Medical Director including new features, and a comparison of the features of MIMS Script and Genie. These sessions are an opportunity to network, have informal discussion, and share ideas and concerns. For further information contact your division IT Officer/Advocate or Jenk Akyalcin at GPDV.
Victoria's progress to date:
From the Board of GPDV - 12 July 1999
In the May 1999 Budget, it was announced that new items covering the involvement of general practitioners in case-conferencing, and care planning for people with chronic illness and complex needs will be a part of the Medicare Benefits Schedule from 1 November 1999. Annual voluntary health assessments for people 75 years of age plus, and Aborigine 55 years plus, will also attract an MBS item.
GPDV Board members, John Meaney and Nola Maxfield, participated in a consultative workshop in Sydney on 12 July on the new MBS items. A working group will determine descriptors for each item number, which will be drafted by the 9 August. The General Practice Financing Group will determine the money payable for each item.
It is likely that payments will be time tiered. Travel would also need to be factored in. GPs would be paid for case conferencing, including occasions when the patient is not present such as phone conferencing. A second party, such as a nurse, could undertake the assessment under the direction of the GP.
To support the introduction of the MBS initiatives GPs will be given the opportunity to participate in education, clinical audit and research in care planning and care conferencing, especially for older Australians. The Budget included $8.1 million over four years for these activities. There is the potential for some of this funding to be provided to Divisions.
An incentive will be provided through the Practice Incentives Program (PIP) for GPs to ensure that their patients aged 65 and over with chronic and complex needs have care plans if they need them.
At this stage there is not a set care plan format (as it is in the case of the DVA care plans), however the Drafting Group has identified 8 areas to be included in a health assessment.
With much regret the Board accepted the resignation of Paul Hemming to take effect from the AGM in September. The Board expressed particular gratitude to Paul for all his efforts in establishing GPDV. The Board will fill the vacancy by election at the AGM in September.
DHS 24 Hour Health Information, Advice and Referral Service
DHS is proposing to develop a telephone service to provide all Victorians with access to health and community support information that links them to appropriate services across the continuum of health and community support services. The main purpose of the service is to relieve the strain that primary care presentations can place on emergency departments of hospitals, and assist consumers in obtaining quality information to support health choices.
It is intended that this service will complement existing services by providing an optional single point of initial contact for all approved health services.
For further information about this proposal contact your local division or Lenora Lippmann at GPDV.
Wed 11 Meeting of GPDV
Board and GPDV representatives
Wed 11 IT/IM Workshop & Immunisation Workshop
Thu 12 Asthma Network & Diabetes Network
13 & 14 Putting Prevention into Practice
Wed 25 National Youth Health Network
National Divisions Forum - 25-27 August
1999
Energising primary health care through Divisions
The National Divisions Forum will be held on 25-27 August 1999 in Melbourne. This is the inaugural forum for all Divisions of General Practice, organised by divisions for divisions, through the Australian Divisions of General Practice Limited. The forum will:
A feature of the forum will be the opportunity, on the second day, for divisions, state based organisations, rural workforce agencies and other groups and organisations working with divisions and general practice to present practical ideas and principles to guide future divisional work. From these ideas, forum resolutions will be developed. Enquiries to: ADGP Forum, Conference Solutions Pty Ltd Tel: (02) 6285 3000; Fax: (02) 6285 3001
Caroline Morris commenced work with GPDV on July 19 as the Primary Mental Health Care Development Officer. Caroline’s background includes development and presentation of training programs in working with people who experience mental illness for staff in the community sector; as well as case management of people with psychiatric disabilities who were re-entering the workforce.
The PMHC Development Officer role has been established in all State Based Organizations as a result of priorities identified in the Second National Mental Health Plan. The position will provide statewide coordination and support of Division activities with regard to Mental Health. The objectives of the position are to increase GPs skills and knowledge in relation to mental health disorders and treatment, and to develop links and shared care arrangements between GPs and specialist mental health services. Caroline can be contacted on (03) 9341 5213 or c.morris@gpdv.com.au.