Coronavirus Health Alert
The Department of Health reports that as at 3 March, 33 cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) have been confirmed in Australia.
Practices should contact their local state or territory health department if they have any questions regarding testing for the virus.
- Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources
How To Use Masks For Coronavirus
The World Health Organisation has published videos and resources on how and when to use a mask.
NSW Health Cold Chain Management
NSW Health introduced new requirements for cold chain management last year. From 31 July 2019, at least one member of the team is required to complete the NSW Health Vaccine Storage and Cold Chain Management online learning course. To ensure practices are complying, NSW Health will do random audits and ask practices to show evidence that they are monitoring vaccine fridge temperatures as per the National Guidelines and also that at least one staff member has completed the online course.
Workforce Incentive Program
The Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) which replaces the PNIP and GPRIP is now in place. The first payment will be made in May – the Doctor Stream for practitioners who are eligible for a payment at the end of Quarter 3 (January to March 2020).
Incentive News Update
Services Australia has published the latest edition of their Incentives News Update. This publication helps practices keep up to date with the Practice Incentives Program and the new Workforce Incentive Program.
Disability Support Pension Pre-Claim Guide
If you have patients who are considering applying for a Disability Support Pension (DSP), you can let them know that there is a pre-claim guide to help them understand the rules. The guide has information about non-medical and medical eligibility rules and what medical evidence is required.
Revised Guidelines For Mandatory Notifications
The Guidelines for Mandatory Notifications have been reviewed following changes to mandatory notification requirements that came into effect on 1 March 2020. There are now separate guidelines for registered health practitioners and registered students:
- Guidelines: Mandatory notifications about registered health practitioners
- Guidelines: Mandatory notifications about registered students
AskMBS Advice Service
AskMBS is a new email service which provides advice to general practitioners regarding MBS items and assists in correct billing – askmbs@health.gov.au.
Practice Manager Of The Year 2020
Do you know a wonderful practice manager who deserves to be the AAPM Practice Manager of the Year? Nominations are open for 2020 – you can self-nominate or be nominated by your employer or colleague.
Fair Work Australia
The Fair Work Information Statement has been updated – all new employees must receive a copy of the Statement when they commence work. The Statement is available in 30 languages on the Fair Work website.
MBS Online
The 1 March 2020 MBS files (XML, DOC, PDF and ZIP) are now available to download: March 2020 Downloads Page. A summary of the changes is available on the March 2020 Latest News page.