GP Network News, Issue 11, Number 16 - 29 April 2011

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Senate Inquiry

The AMA submission to the Senate Inquiry into the AHPRA said that the transition had been an absolute debacle and put patient care at risk. AHPRA replaced state-based medical registration boards last July and the transition has seen a significant number of complaints with some doctors discovering their registration had lapsed, leaving subsequent uncertainty about whether their patients were entitled to rebates. The AMA remains unconvinced that the many significant problems experienced during the transition will be avoided in the future and says that confidence in the national scheme will only be improved if a registration process is designed to specifically address the unique circumstances of medical practitioners. A copy of the 11 page AMA submission is attached here.

Health and Wellbeing of Doctors and Medical Students

The AMA recently released a revised Position Statement on the Health and wellbeing of doctors and medical students. AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said it is important that doctors and medical students look after their health, as well as their patients throughout their training and their professional careers. Dr Pesce also said that experienced doctors confront barriers to their own good health care throughout their careers. These include embarrassment, perceptions of weakness, lack of time, and a fear that they could be reported to the Medical Board if they seek treatment for an ailment.

The AMA recommends that all doctors should have their own general practitioner rather than attempt to diagnose and treat themselves. A copy of the Position Statement is available here.

Veterans’ Medicine Advice & Therapeutics Education Services (MATES)

Veterans’ MATES provides up-to-date health and medicine information for health professionals and veterans. The Veterans’ MATES Therapeutic Brief Number 26 addresses the impact of commonly used medicines on urinary incontinence. The Brief encourages the review of medicines that may contribute to urinary incontinence, and to consider dose reduction or an alternative where possible.

In early March copies of Brief 26 and a veterans brochure, Bladder control problems? What you need to know? were mailed to approximately 10,500 general practitioners who treat the selected veterans identified in the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme dispensing data. The Brief and the brochure, together with information and copies of previous Veterans’ MATES material, is available here.

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The AMA Platinum Edge Credit Card from American Express

A sophisticated reflection of your professional success, the AMA Platinum Edge Credit Card includes a range of complimentary benefits – including domestic economy return flight each year when you enrol in Membership Rewards Ascent* and Travel Insurance for trips purchased with your Card*. You’ll also save $50 p.a. with a reduced annual Card Fee of just $99.

Plus you will receive a complimentary $200 MyPrePaidCard when you apply online, are approved and spend at least $500 on your new Card before 30 June 2011*.

*Conditions apply.