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Upcoming education campaign on Prescribed Pattern of Services

The AMA advises that approximately 550 general practitioners and 70 practice managers will be contacted as part of an upcoming education campaign on Prescribed Pattern of Services, also known as the 80/20 rule. The purpose of the letters is to provide information on professional attendances and clarify that the 80/20 rule does not relate to the number of patients seen.

The 80/20 rule is a deeming provision to address consistent high volumes of rendered services by GPs. A GP is deemed to have practised inappropriately if they have rendered 80 or more professional attendances on each of 20 or more days in a 12 month period. The 80/20 rule is based on the number of professional attendances per day, which may not be the same as the number of patients seen in a day.

If you render 80 or more professional attendances on 20 or more days in a 12 month period, the Director of Professional Services Review will review your provision of services.

If you are approaching this level you may be contacted and asked to review your daily attendances. You may also be reviewed under the Practitioner Review Program if the service levels for professional attendances are high or there are other concerns with your billing profile.

For more information about the Practitioner Review Program, the 80/20 rule, what items are regarded as attendances under the 80/20 rule and inappropriate practice go to: www.health.gov.au/practitioner-review  

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