North East Valley DGP eNews

No 0821: June 26, 2008
eNews is a weekly electronic newsletter sent to all GP practices (with email addresses) within the NEV catchment. The aim is to provide up to date information relevant to GPs and to disseminate the latest activities and resources from the division. All feedback and enquiries welcome and should be addressed to Patty Marshall. You can also visit our website at: http://www.nevdgp.org.au/.
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In this issue:

Chronic Disease Management         Life! referral forms available online, National Diabetes Week 2008 Campaign Resources   

Professional Development               CPD events          

HMR                                                 Skin conditions in older persons, Generic Medicines

Immunisation                                   SMS Reminders for Gardasil, Are you using an electronic method of data transfer to ACIR?   

Information Management                includes Medical Director tips and New on the Web

Items of interest                               The ABC Australian Story, July 2008 Medicare Benefits Schedule Update, Annual Health Review for People with an Intellectual Disability, GP Network News   

News for Practice Staff                    Spirometry Training Course, National Clinical Skill Program for Nurses, Practice Nurse Leadership and Development Program

Women’s Health                              The Women’s has moved   

Positions vacant/wanted                     

Fun stuff                                              

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Chronic Disease Management

Life! referral forms available online

Life! Taking Action on Diabetes is a six session diabetes prevention program for people aged 50 and over, at high risk of type 2 diabetes. Referral forms are available for the Life! program here. The form is available for Medical Director, Best Practice, Zed Med, GP Complete as well as Microsoft Word. Directions for upload into the medical software are listed on the website.

For further information on Life! visit the website www.diabeteslife.org.au or contact Angie Deegan on 9341 5247 or a.deegan@gpv.org.au.  

 

National Diabetes Week 2008 Campaign Resources

Diabetes Australia will launch a new campaign on Sunday 13 July to mark the beginning of National Diabetes Week 2008. The campaign will focus on family history and overweight or obesity as key risk factors in the development of type 2 diabetes. Your general practice can order a campaign kit to support practice-based awareness activities.

The kit includes: Information sheets, poster, Diabetes data information, tape measures. To download your order form visit www.diabetesvic.org.au  (under Latest News & Research) or call 1300 136 588.

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CPD

Spirometry Training Course for GPs and Practice Nurses

Saturday August 16, 9am – 4.30pm (Refreshments and meals will be provided) at John Scott Meeting House, Latrobe University, Bundoora. Invitation to GPs and PNs. The presenters for this workshop are members of the National Asthma Council and are trained asthma experts: General Practitioner: and an Asthma Educator. The workshop will provide education and training specifically around evidence-based best practice asthma management. In addition, each participant will receive a kit and resources covering an interactive 6-hour workshop with practical sessions, training in the application, measurement and interpretation of expiratory spirometry. This is an ANZSRS endorsed spirometry training course for GPs. The modules include spirometry, medications, allergy, paediatric asthma, older adult asthma, device technique and COAPD. Application form

Term 3 GP Lecture Program

The first lecture for Term 3 will be on Tuesday 15th July.

Austin Health - Division of Medicine Grand Round

Department of Endocrinology - “Osteoporosis and Fracture Risk Assessment: Opening the Black Box of Heredity”

Speaker: A/Prof Serge Ferrari, Assoc Prof of Osteoporosis Genetics, Division of Bone Diseases, Dept. of Rehab and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine & WHO Collaborating Centre for Osteoporosis Prevention, Geneva, Switzerland

Wednesday 2 July, 2008 12:10pm at John Lindell Lecture Theatre, Level 4, Lance Townsend Building, Opposite Medical Library - followed by lunch in Zeltner Hall at 1:00pm

Opiate Substitution Therapies prescriber training

Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre is providing free training to GPs wanting to prescribe methadone or buprenorphine. The course involves completion of 2 online units (category 2 QA&COD points) on gplearning and attending a 1 day workshop. The next workshop will be held July 26 in Fitzroy. For further details please call Mal Doreian on 8413 8721, email on mald@turningpoint.org.au or go to www.turningpoint.org.au 

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HMR

Skin conditions in older persons - dermatology update  

Dermatitis, skin growths, BCC, SCC, and older people. Speaker: Dr Boon Tan, Fairfield Dermatology Clinic.  

For medical practitioners, practice nurses and pharmacists. 4 category 2 CPD points, 2 CPE points (pharmacists).

Wednesday 2 July: 7:00pm - 9:00pm Light meal & registration from 6.30pm at NDGP Training Room  232 Plenty Road Preston. Flyer

Further information about Medication Reviews contact Dr Jenny Gowan on 9426 7689 or Mob 0417 506 944

Generic Medicines

On 1 August, community pharmacy in Australia will implement the biggest changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) since its inception 60 years ago. For the past two years, the PBS Reforms have been a hot topic for Gps and pharmacists but from 1 August pharmacy customers will also start to take notice, particularly with regards to generic medicines. In this year’s Federal Budget, the Government decreased funding for a national public information campaign on generics from $20 million to about $5 million. Despite this, there will still be a big media push on generics from just before 1 August onwards, as the Guild and other industry stakeholders are planning independent campaigns to promote greater understanding and increased usage of generic medicines in Australia.

The Pharmacy Guild will utilise radio, television and print mechanisms to support this objective, as well as assist in the production of a generics-focused Community Service Announcement for television. As a result of these promotions, the Guild expects that GPs, pharmacists and pharmacy staff will receive an increased number of enquiries from consumers who want to know more abut generic medicines. In the interest of reducing confusion, maintaining adherence and preserving the excellent reputation of community pharmacy, it is crucial for GPs and pharmacists to maintain a patient-centred approach during the implementation of the PBS Reforms.

Adapted from Pharmacy Daily 24 June 2008

Jenny Gowan HMR facilitator N & NEVDGP 9426 7689 or Mob 0417 506 944

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Immunisation

SMS Reminders for Gardasil

The cervical cancer website at: http://www.cervicalcancer.com.au/ provides a free SMS service to remind patients for their second and third Gardasil injections. Once on the site, click on the middle box on the left hand side that says “Free SMS/email reminders”. From there, patients (or clinic staff) can enter their details to receive reminders. An ideal time to register patients is post-vaccination before patients leave the clinic. It is a free service for the clinic and the patient and will be very helpful for those clinics that do not have the facility with their software to send SMS reminders. Further information c/- CSL Biotherapies: Nicci Green, Vaccine Account Representative (Part time – Tues. & Wed.) Mobile: 0447 533 790 Email: nicci.green@csl.com.au or Nadine Francis, Vaccine Account Representative (Part time – Wed, Thur, Fri) Mobile: 0422 000 308 Email: nadine.francis@csl.com.au 

Are you using an electronic method of data transfer to ACIR?

To assist practices who are yet to embrace either online or website data transfer, the Division is offering an on-site training program by mutual agreement.

Contact Noel Stewart or John Fletcher on 9496 4333 or email noel@nevdgp.org.au or john@nevdgp.org.au  

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Information Management

Medical Director Tip - Adjusting the print on prescriptions

Sometimes the information doesn’t always fit correctly onto the printed scripts (alignment problems). Or a GP’s qualifications are so many that they don’t fit and get cut off the printed page. The Script setup tab can fix these issues.

From the Tools menu select Print Options and then the Script setup tab.

It’s a bit fiddly and involves trial and error to change the + or - numbers to get the correct alignment.

You can also decrease the font size from point size 10 to a lower number so the information such as GP qualifications fit.

This weeks IM problem - Scanning large documents

Question: Is there any way Medical Director can be modified to import a larger file such as 3.2 mb into the patient’s documents?

Answer: No and it is strongly advised you never import a file of that size? What is it? A picture of an elephant? You should always scan in low resolution black and white.

New on the Web

1. National Clinical Skill Program for Nurse – by the Benchmarque Group. For program and newsletter see under Practice Nurses Network – Nurse Education

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Items of Interest

The ABC Australian Story

On Monday 30th June at 8pm on ABCTV Australian Story will relate the aftermath of the killing of Dr. Khulod Maarouf Hassan in her surgery. The RACGP recommends GPs to view this program.

July 2008 Medicare Benefits Schedule Update 

The latest Medicare Benefits Schedule information is available from MBS Online at: http://www.health.gov.au/mbsonline   

Main changes for practices:

·         Healthy Kids Check - Items 709 and 711 have been introduced to support general practitioners, practice nurses and registered Aboriginal Health Workers to undertake a health check for a patient who is receiving or has received their four year old immunisation. A Medicare rebate of $45 is payable for these item numbers and is available only once for any eligible patient. The item number 10990 of $5.40 can be claimed at the same time.

·         Type 2 Diabetes Risk Evaluation - Item 713 forms part of the 'COAG - reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes' initiative to address the significant growth in type 2 diabetes in Australia. This item enables GPs to review patients 40 to 49 years of age who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and instigate early interventions to assist in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Annual Health Review for People with an Intellectual Disability

Use of MBS items 718 & 719 - Annual Health Review for people with an intellectual disability – Victorian GPs are now leading the way. The number of Medicare rebates for these health assessments has more than doubled in Victoria over the past six months. Statistics from the Medicare website show that in April 2008:

·         Victoria had the highest per capita rebates for these items in Australia.

·         43% of all rebates for these items in Australia were from Victoria.

Disability Services would like to acknowledge the important role of GPs and practice nurses in the health care of people with an intellectual disability, and encourage the continued increase in structured annual health assessments for people with an intellectual disability.

Research based tools to assist with the annual health assessment

·         GPs in Victoria are likely to encounter the Comprehensive Health Assessment Program (CHAP) proforma when seeing patients with an intellectual disability living in Victorian Department of Human Services, Disability Services managed homes in the community for an annual health review.

·         Disability support workers complete the first part of CHAP to provide the GP with relevant background information.

·         The second part of CHAP provides GPs or practice nurses with research based prompts for specific areas to concentrate on in health assessments for people with an Intellectual Disability.

·         The use of CHAP has been shown to significantly improve the health outcomes for people with an intellectual disability.

Further resources: Professional development and other resources to assist GPs are available from: Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria http://www.cddh.monash.org/

GP Network News

This edition includes GPNN general practice week edition, cutting red tape so GPs can spend more time with patients, reform MBS for patient benefits, improving the use of general practice nurses, managing the risk of violence in medical practice…and much more. Full version.

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News for Practice Staff

Spirometry Training Course for GPs and Practice Nurses

See under CPD

National Clinical Skill Program for Nurses
The Benchmarque Group is celebrating the launch of their 2008 National Clinical Skills Program, this program is a unique opportunity for nurse clinicians and non nursing staff to participate in a range of nationally recognised qualification courses. Places are strictly limited and are already starting to fill. To find out more simply log onto
www.ncsp.com.au To view their new newsletter. Click here to view the Newsletter.
If you would like to find more about The Benchmarque Group - log onto
www.benchmarquegroup.com.au 

Practice Nurse Leadership and Development Program

Applications are open for the 2008 Practice Nurse Leadership Program. The Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) in conjunction with the University of New England Partnerships (UNEP) has established a Practice Nurse Leadership and Development Program. The program was first delivered in 2007. The Practice Nurse Leadership and Development Program will assist in raising the professional profile of practice nursing as an important area of nursing practice. It will also provide a career pathway for those practice nurses interested in venturing into leadership and management roles. The Program is open to both Practice Nurses and nurses employed by Divisions of General Practice.  The Practice Nurse Leadership and Development Program runs over a 12 month period. The program is delivered by two three day workshops and distance learning. The first workshop is scheduled for 15-17 September 2008 in Adelaide.

For more information on the Practice Nurse Leadership Program please go to the following website http://www.unepartnerships.edu.au/agpnNurseLead/ or contact Toni Rice on trice@agpn.com.au or Beta Chakraverty on bchakraverty@agpn.com.au To download an enrolment form click here

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Women’s Health

The Women’s has moved

The first baby has now been born, the first woman seen in outpatients and the emergency department and the first operation undertaken at the new Royal Women's Hospital in Parkville. The new hospital is located at corner of Flemington Rd and Grattan St in Parkville. The main entrance is off Grattan St however the Emergency Department and vehicle access is off Flemington Rd.
Phone Numbers: The Women’s in Parkville will have new phone numbers, however all Carlton location phone numbers will be diverted for a set period. New phone numbers are:

·         The Women’s Switchboard: 8345 2000

·         Outpatient Appointments: 8345 3032 or ext 3033

·         Outpatient Fast Fax (for GP referrals): 8345 3036

·         Patient Enquiries: 8345 3030

·         Women’s Emergency Care: 8345 3636

·         Pregnancy Day Care: 8345 2170

·         Pauline Gandel Women’s Imaging Centre: 8345 2250

·         Genetic Services: 8345 2180

New referral forms and templates for Medical Director and Genie are available on the Women’s website: www.rwh.thewomens.org.au under Health Professionals site and then under shared maternity care site and also on NEVDGP website.

For general queries feel free to contact me on ines.rio@thewomens.org.au 

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Positions vacant/wanted

Please note: only new ads, paid ads or resubmitted ads will be posted here. All other ads can be found on the website

Positions vacant

Doctors

Cheltenham-We are looking for a VR GP to join our midsized accredited practice. Comfortable new rooms, fully computerised, flexible sessions, pathology, podiatry, physiotherapy and psychology all on site. Excellent remuneration, you will not be disappointed. Will suit subsequent trainees. For further information please phone Peter Enten on (03) 9584 9504 or peterenten@bigpond.com

Ivanhoe Medical Clinic - sessions for female VR GP. Modern, large group with supportive colleagues and full time nurses, computerised, CDMs, mixed billing, flexible, friendly, no A/H, good remuneration. Contact Dr.Stephen Smith or Dr.David Doig on 03 9499 1245.

Practice Staff

Ivanhoe - Part Time RN Div 1 required for busy computerised GP Clinic. Shifts Thursday pm and Saturday am plus ability to relieve as required. Must be computer literate and have the ability to do Care Plans & assist with Health Assessments for over 75 year olds would be an asset.

Post resume:  Attention: Meri, Livingstone Street Clinic, 9 Livingstone St Ivanhoe 3079 or email to admin@livstclinic.aushealth.biz

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Humour

Man of the house

The husband had just finished reading the book, 'MAN OF THE HOUSE'.
He stormed into the kitchen and walked directly up to his wife.
Pointing a finger in her face, he said, "From now on, I want you to know that I am the man of this house, and my word is law!  I want you to prepare me a gourmet meal tonight, and when I'm finished eating my meal, I expect a sumptuous dessert afterward. Then, after dinner, you are going to run my bath so I can relax. And when I'm finished with my bath, guess who's going to dress me and comb my hair?


His wife calmly replied, "The funeral director would be my guess."

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