Australian Medical Association

Dr Hambleton talks about comments made by the former director of the Professional Services Review Panel Dr Tony Webber saying Medicare costs $3 billion a year and is open to rorts by unethical doctors. He says a lot of doctors are looking after their patients and they care for them.

Dr Hambleton talks about the AMA's submission to the Senate Community Affairs Reference Committee Inquiry into the Factors Affecting the Supply of Health Services and Medical Professionals in Rural Areas. Dr Hambleton says the submission considers a range of factors needs to be considered in order to encourage doctors to remain in rural areas

Dr Hambleton talks about research that has found taking an aspirin everyday can lead to an increase in non-trivial bleeding. He says that those who have had a heart attack or stroke can benefit from an aspirin, but recommends people talk with their doctors if they are taking aspirin daily to discuss the risks.

Dr Hambleton says that most people know what the costs of their medical needs will be and talks about the need to have transparent insurance policies for everyone. Dr Hambleton says that health insurance companies cover so many products it can be very confusing.

Dr Hambleton says women in Australia who have had silicone breast implants shouldn't panic but it's advisable they contact their surgeon. He says that Australian and British authorities are working together to put together advice but French authorities are already advising that they should be removed.

Dr Hambleton says that there is an increased demand on mental health services every Christmas. Dr Hambleton lists ways to approach people with depression and explains signs to look out for.

Dr Hambleton discusses the Federal Government's price cuts to commonly-prescribed drugs introduced from April 2012. He says the Government will see most of the benefits not consumers.

Dr Hambleton talks about a chiropractic university course that is sending the wrong messages about medical care. There are some chiropractors claiming to be able to treat medical issues like asthma, allergies or hearing loss, Dr Hambleton says.

Dr Hambleton discusses that one in 10 Australian children are not immunised. He says the finding that said immunisation can cause autism has been discredited

Dr Hambleton said that halving GP red tape would free up more than 7 million new GP consultations a year. He says that four and a half hours can be saved per GP per week.

Dr Hambleton discusses fire-related conditions and how they are treated in elderly patients. He mentions the Principal Quakers Hill Nursing Home fire and discusses the fire-related conditions some of the residents might have.

Dr Hambleton talks about the AMA Public Hospital Report Card 2011. Dr Hambleton says that despite new beds opening in Queensland, more are needed.

Dr Hambleton says that the Medicare rebate for mental health has decreased by up to 40 per cent. He says that Indigenous health organisations will take an income cut, which means there will be less services available for Indigenous people.

Dr Hambleton talks about asylum seekers, Indigenous health and Government cuts to GP mental health services. He discusses his recent trip to Broome, where he met with the Kimberley Aboriginal Services Council.

Dr Hambleton talks to Richard Glover about the Pharmacy Guild of Australia's decision to withdraw its deal with Blackmores to promote complementary medicines with prescription drugs. He says the decision is a win for patients and a win for the pharmacy profession.

Dr Hambleton says cuts to the Better Access program may decrease access to mental health services. The Government has cut $400 million from the rebate for patients to see their GP under the Better Access program.

Dr Hambleton talks about the AMA's concerns about current wine taxation. He says the AMA is hosting an alcohol tax forum to call on the Federal Government to consider increasing alcohol taxation.

Dr Hambleton discusses the AMA's concerns about an agreement between the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and Blackmores, which will see pharmacists promote the company's products with certain prescription drugs. He says patients may substitute their prescribed medicines for one of the products promoted under the agreement in order to save money.

Dr Hambleton responds to media reports that pseudonyms will be given to celebrities, politicians and victims of domestic violence who wish to protect their identity in the Federal Government's new electronic health database. He says the system undermines confidence about security.

Dr Hambleton congratulates the Government on the passing of its tobacco plain packaging legislation in Parliament. He says he hopes it will deter the next generation of smokers from taking up the habit.