Entries by Richard Hart

AGPA Calls for Medicare Independent Pricing Authority

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Media Release

10 October 2024

 

AGPA Calls for Medicare Independent Pricing Authority

The Australian General Practice Alliance (AGPA) today called for a major overhaul of Medicare including the establishment of an independent pricing authority to set the levels of Medicare rebates.

“Medicare is no longer fit for purpose with successive Labor and Coalition Governments starving funding to the point where primary healthcare for Australians is seriously jeopardized” said Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, Deputy Chair of the AGPA when commenting on […]

ACT Election 2024 – AGPA Welcomes ACT Liberals Commitment to General Practice

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Media Release 24 September 2024

AGPA Welcomes ACT Liberals Commitment to General Practice

The Australian General Practice Alliance (AGPA) today welcomed the Canberra Liberals election commitments to increase numbers of GPs in the ACT and their re-commitment to exempt payments made to GPs from payroll tax.

The ACT Liberals today announced policies to pay up to $100,000 of HECS debt for up to 30 new GPs in return for a 5-year commitment to practicing in the ACT, to boost funding for a research chair for General Practice with the ANU Medical School, and to exempt GP payments from payroll […]

AGPA Position Statement on Potential Government Funding Cuts for Chronic Disease Management

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The Australian GP Alliance represents doctor-owned general practices across Australia, and we must express our profound concern and frustration regarding the recent announcement of funding changes for chronic disease management item numbers, effective from November 1st, 2024. This decision, coupled with the lack of timely communication and certainty, is not only imprudent but also detrimental to the healthcare system and the patients we serve.

Impact on Patient Care

Chronic disease management is a cornerstone of primary healthcare, providing essential support to patients with long-term conditions. These services are meticulously planned and booked months in advance to ensure continuity of care. […]

2024 RACGP President Candidate Responses to AGPA Questions

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There are five candidates for RACGP president in 2024. They are:

Dr Palmyra De Banks, Dr Alan Bradley, Dr Michael Clements, Dr Monirul Haque & Dr Michael Wright.

The Australian GP Alliance put four questions relevant to Practice Owners to the candidates requesting written responses from them.

  1. Do you understand the costs involved in running a Practice?  Responses are here
  2. Do you think you can provide a vision for the future for General Practice if you don’t have experience in running […]

AGPA Question 4:What is your plan to help prospective Practice owners?

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Dr Palmyra De Banks:
Supporting prospective practice owners is crucial for the future of general practice. I plan to advocate for more accessible and practical business support and training for GPs, ensuring they are well-equipped to manage the financial and operational aspects of a practice. Additionally, I will promote mentorship programs that connect new practice owners with experienced operators who can provide guidance and support. My own experience in setting up clinics and managing a large network of practices has shown me the value of such support. I will also push for financial incentives and grants to assist in […]

AGPA Question 3: What is your plan to improve the viability of General Practices?

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Dr Palmyra De Banks:
Improving the viability of general practices requires a multifaceted approach. My plan includes advocating for significant increases in MBS rebates, including increased item numbers scope, to better reflect the true cost of care; addressing workforce shortages by promoting general practice as a rewarding career; and reducing the administrative burdens that take time away from patient care. My experience in managing a large network of clinics gives me a practical understanding of the challenges faced by practice owners, and I am committed to working closely with them to develop and implement strategies that enhance financial sustainability […]

AGPA Question 2: Do you think you can provide a vision for the future for General Practice if you don’t have experience in running a small business?

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Dr Palmyra De Banks:
I have significant experience in both clinical practice and business management, having established clinics in the UK and currently overseeing a large network of 19 clinics in Victoria and 80 clinics nationally. This extensive background equips me with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within general practice. My vision for the future is informed by this experience and focuses on creating a sustainable, patient-centred model of care that supports both practitioners and patients. I am committed to leveraging my experience to advocate for policies that benefit the entire general practice community.

Dr Alan […]

AGPA Question 1: Do you understand the costs involved in running a Practice?

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Dr Palmyra De Banks :
Yes, I have a deep understanding of the costs and complexities involved in running a practice. Before emigrating to Australia, I was a owner and partner in a GP practice and set up my own clinic in the UK, where I learned firsthand about the financial, staffing, and operational challenges. Today, I directly oversee 19 clinics in Victoria and 80 clinics nationally, providing me with a broad and current perspective on the financial realities facing general practices. This experience allows me to appreciate the delicate balance required to maintain high standards of care while […]

Medicare – Op Ed by Crispin Hull

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Medicare OpEd for 30 July 2024 By Crispin Hull

Medicare is in urgent need of some CPR. Not just the pulmonary and cardio, but a resuscitation of every part of the human body and the medical procedures that can be applied to it.

The death by a thousand cuts of Australia’s once proud universal free medical insurance scheme continued unabated this month.

The annual inflation adjustment applied to the schedule of fees was set at 3.5 per cent – once again below the real rate. And it was not applied to all items.

AGPA Webinar – Fraud and Theft Prevention

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AGPA Webinar Fraud & Theft Prevention
 Thursday 22 August 2024, 7:30pm AEST

7:00 pm SA, 5:30 pm WA

 

Speakers Loryn Einstein – Medical Billing Experts Gavin Andrews – Port Melbourne Medical  

 Fraud and theft is a risk for any business and GP Practices with large numbers of daily transactions are as vulnerable as any. The consequences for ruined lives, financial and reputational loss and the destruction of trust and teamwork are expensive and time consuming. There are typical causes and symptoms that can be identified and business practices that can be […]