Issue 12, Number 35 - 8 October 2010

Claiming Health Assessments (MBS Items 701, 703, 705 and 707)

In response to queries from AMA members Medicare Australia has confirmed that it is permissible for a practitioner to claim more than one of the same time based items within a 12 month period for the same patient. The service must be clinically relevant and the treating practitioner must maintain adequate and contemporaneous records, including keeping patient notes that provide clinical information adequate to explain the type of service (health assessment) rendered or initiated..

AMA Council of General Practice

The AMA Council of General Practice (AMACGP) will be meeting on 9-10 October 2010. Issues for discussion will include the election outcome and the implications for the GP and primary health care reform agendas, particularly in relation to the diabetes funding arrangements, Indigenous health, practice nurses, after hours care and the role of primary health care organisations. Other items to be discussed include electronic medication managment in aged care facilities, GP training, patient safety in primary health care and GP referred MRI.

AMA Rural Medical Committee

The AMA Rural Medical Committee met on Monday 4 October 2010 in Sydney. The agenda included items for discussion on rural/regional opportunities following the Election, telemedicine, generalism and GP referred MRI. The Committee was particularly interested in exploring with the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) the opportunity to establish a jointly agreed rural rescue package to put to Government to address rural workforce issues.

Plain Packaging Poll

The AMA is currently running a web poll to gauge the support for plain packaging for cigarettes. If you have not yet participated in this poll but would like to click here to cast your vote. If you don't know your user name or password request it by emailing membership@ama.com.au.

AMA anti-violence kit

With recent media about violence against health professionals GP members are reminded that the AMA has an anti-violence kit available to help make practices safer for GPs, staff and patients. The kit offers practical information about identifying, assessing and controlling risks and what to do after an incident. GP members were provided with a kit on its release in June 2008. New GP members who wish to obtain a copy can do so by emailing generalpractice@ama.com.au.

Discounts on I.T. products for AMA Members

PowerBuy is a new service for AMA members with savings of up to 20 per cent on popular IT brands such as Dell, Lenovo, NETGEAR, Fuji Xerox, Apple and APC. Read more here

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