GP Network News, Issue 11, Number 13 - 8 April 2011

Online claiming of Medicare benefits now available for patients

Patients can now claim online for some medical visits to their doctor. This announcement was made recently by the Minister for Human Services, Tanya Plibersek, who said by signing up to Medicare’s Online Services and entering the required details, customers will receive direct payments to their bank account. To guard against fraud, the maximum claiming amount is $250 per day or $550 per 30 days. Patients are required to select the person on the card who received the service, enter the doctor’s provider number, select the Medicare item number for the service, the date of the service and the fee. Medicare Online Services can also be used to request a replacement Medicare card, view Medicare Safety Net balance and download immunisation history statements. A link to Medicare Online Services is here.

WMA Symposium

AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, gave a speech on Medical Leadership to delegates at the WMA Symposium in Sydney this week. Dr Pesce’s address highlighted the leadership role and influence both the AMA and the NZMA have on the domestic front reinforcing the unique element of both Associations in embracing the whole profession rather than particular elements. Dr Pesce acknowledged the contribution of medical leaders gathered for the Symposium, including BMA President, Professor Sir Michael Marmot, past AMA Presidents, Dr Bruce Shepherd and Dr Brendan Nelson and Dr Peter Foley, NZMA Chair. A link to the speech is here.

Former AMA President Elected Chair of WMA

Former AMA President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal (AO), was this week elected Chair of the World Medical Association (WMA) Council at the 188th WMA Council Session in Sydney. The WMA is the peak body for international health policy and provides ethical guidance to doctors from more than 95 National Medical Associations. AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said it was a proud day for the Australian medical profession and an honour for Dr Haikerwal which reflected the respect and high regard in which he is held by his medical colleagues around the world. Click here for more.

Patient Controlled E-Health Record

Reports from this week’s AMA hosted session titled E-Health evolution or revolution? at the WMA provided an insight to the proposed concept for the Patient Controlled E-Health Record (PECHR).  Ms Jane Halton, Secretary of the Department of Health and Ageing said that the PCEHR would comprise a GP-curated summary health record, an event record and a record on which information could be added and amended by the patient. Ms Halton also said the PECHR would be maintained by providers such as GPs and accessed through portals using the patients’ unique health identifier. The AMA is eagerly awaiting the concept of operations document.  AMACGP Executive at its Policy Day this weekend will be discussing the PCEHR.

AMA Victoria “Working overseas in a crisis” seminar

This working overseas in crisis areas seminar is a must for doctors who are interested in humanitarian work overseas.

Recent international emergencies have led to increased demand for doctors. Thousands of field workers are required each year in countries around the world to bring emergency medical assistance to the people who need it most and may otherwise have no access to even the most basic life-saving health services.

Find out all you need to know about equipping yourself to work overseas and the preparation needed beforehand here.

We welcome your comments and suggestions as well.  Please tell us what you think.

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