Changes to the eligibility criteria for Diabetes Prevention Programs

Patients who score 12 or more on the Australian Diabetes risk tool are now eligible for referral into a Life! Program.

Modern award wage determinations

The Annual Wage Review 2009–10 was conducted by the Minimum Wage Panel (the Panel) of Fair Work Australia (FWA) between March and June 2010. A decision by the Panel was made on 3 June 2010. Increases afforded will come into operation from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2010.

Legislation passed for eHealth & Individual Healthcare identifiers

Legislation to set up the Healthcare Identifiers Service was passed by Federal Government on 24th June 2010.

Senate gives healthcare identifiers Bill green light

After months of uncertainty the Healthcare Identifiers Bill has finally been passed by the Senate. The legislation, passed in the dying hours of Parliament before the winter recess, will enable all Australians and healthcare providers to be identified by a unique 16-digit number.

New for Cancer Patients - Screening for Supportive Care Needs

Optimal care of the patient with cancer requires effective management of supportive care needs

GP web portal

The Victorian Department of Health has developed a web portal for GPs that will provide quick and easy access to Victorian Government websites commonly used by general practice.

Boost for GPs to Train the Next Generation

The Commonwealth Government has announced a 20% increase to the allowance payable to GPs who supervise doctors enrolled in general practice training.

10 dose vaccine pack problems

Infanrix hexa vaccine must be reconstituted by adding the entire contents of the syringe to the Hib vial and shaking until the pellet is completely dissolved.

Health Assessment template updates

Noel Stewart from North East Valley has sent the following information to divisions: There are new templates that cover the 6 time-based health assessments items: 701 (brief), 703 (standard), 705 (long) and 707 (prolonged).

Changes to the MBS item funding and the PIP program - how will this affect you?

The Commonwealth Government announced a revamp to the way in which nursing in general practice is funded. This initiative will support an expanded and enhanced role for practice nurses with a new, simplified and streamlined financing arrangement.

Intanza product information

This PI attachment has pictures of administering in the deltoid region.

Maroondah Hospital to install a Hologic bone densitometry system 24th June, 2010

Eastern Health at Maroondah Hospital will install the Hologic bone densitometry system, the Discovery W, in June, 2010.  The system will be operational and open for bookings from 24th June, 2010.

Chronis Disease Medicare Items - Questions and Answers

The CDM Medicare items are for GPs to manage the health care of patients who have chronic or terminal medical conditions. These Qs and As provide guidance on the requirements relating to Medicare eligibility for the items and the rules that apply if Medicare benefits are to be paid for them.

Midwives get indemnity cover

Health minister Nicola Roxon says Commonwealth Government-supported professional indemnity insurance is now available to privately practising midwives but it will not cover services provided during homebirths, which are subject to a two-year exemption from the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme

Key changes in suspension of seasonal influenza vaccine in children.

The use of seasonal influenza vaccine in children aged five years and under has been modified as
follows:

Breast Cancer Follow Up Shared Care Project

Southern Health, in conjunction with SMICS has recently been successful in its application to establish a demonstration site as part of the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre’s (NBOCC) national Shared Care Demonstration Project.

Seasonal Flu Vaccine remains suspended.

Media Statement issued by Professor Jim Bishop - Commonwelath Chief Medical Officer