AMA (WA) launches State Election website

With just under one week to go until the WA State Election, the AMA (WA) is urging political parties to put out their health policies so voters can make an informed decision on the biggest government portfolio: health.

In our post-truth, fake-news world, it is vital that we have an easily accessible source for AMA (WA) members, media and the general public about the importance of health.

The AMA (WA) has put together a website outlining six key issues facing health, along with a list of promises on health so far by the major political parties. 

To access the site, please click here. 
 

Princess Margaret Hospital update

The AMA (WA) is in discussions with WA Health about the lack of engagement of medical practitioners at PMH. This process of discussion follows a long period of failure by PMH management to take action about issues raised by medical staff and highlighted in a recent Press Ganey staff survey.

The AMA (WA) President will hold a meeting with the Chairperson of the Child and Adolescent Health Service Board on Friday 10 March 2017 to seek answers to the issues raised in the survey and other issues.

Clinical Academics update

The AMA (WA) is discussing the replacement of the current Department of Health Medical Practitioners (Clinical Academics) AMA Industrial Agreement 2013 with the Department of Health.

Agreement has not been reached about rolling the private practice income allowance into the base rate of pay and providing 12 months’ notice of the expiry of a contract, as agreed under the WA Health System – Medical Practitioners – AMA Industrial Agreement 2016, given the different employment status of clinical academics.

However, new rates of pay will apply from 1 October 2016 once new arrangements are agreed.

Doctors in Training transferring to Midland Public Hospital and returning to WA Health

The AMA (WA) advises DiTs not to resign when transferring to MPH with the intention of returning to WA Health, or if uncertain as to whether they will return or not.

The Department of Health has confirmed that entitlements will not be paid out, provided the doctor does not resign.

As previously advised, if you had received a payout of leave entitlements and you have returned to the public sector from MPH (or you intend to return), you are entitled to have your leave reinstated when you return provided you pay the leave back. If you have any questions about your situation, please contact the AMA (WA) Industrial Team.

Three year contracts for interns

The AMA (WA) understands that the Department of Health is working towards a central employer for Interns to ensure there is no potential for termination of employment when doctors are rotated between employers or across health services at the conclusion of PGY 1 or 2 or on rotation during PGY 1 or 2.

If members are being told their contracts will be terminated if they move between health service sites during PGY 1 , 2 or 3, this is incorrect. Please contact the AMA (WA)’s Industrial Team for advice.

Medicare billing assurance toolkit

GPs and general practices wanting to reduce the risks of incorrect MBS billing and increase the efficiency of their practice may be interested in the Medicare Billing Assurance Toolkit. The toolkit includes a range of checklists, templates and suggestions to make it easier for GPs and their practices to manage risks that inadvertently cause incorrect billing under Medicare.

The toolkit has been developed by the Department of Health, which worked closely with peak health bodies, including the AMA, and health professionals to identify ways to support improved billing accuracy under Medicare.

The different sections of the Toolkit provide the tools to implement a continuous improvement cycle for a practice’s Medicare billing assurance approach.

For more information, please click here. 

Subsidiary Agreements

The AMA (WA) is awaiting new draft subsidiary agreements to replace the original agreements entered into in 2011, to be provided by the Department of Health.

The new agreements are likely to contain different on-call and call-back arrangements to those agreed in 2011 on the basis of the position that was argued by the Department of Health in proceedings before the Industrial Magistrate during 2013/2014.

New rates of pay to apply to the new subsidiary agreements will be backdated to 1 October 2016.

New guidelines for electronic discharge summaries

GPs may be encouraged by the prospect of improved discharge summaries with The Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Health Care’s release of new national guidelines for on-screen presentation of discharge summaries.

The guidelines describe what information needs to be included in an electronic discharge summary so GPs can immediately see relevant information about the patient’s medications, tests performed, and treatment while in hospital and recommendations for follow up care.

For more information, please click here. 

First Aid special for AMA Members and practice staff

AMA Training Services is offering an amazing special on our nationally accredited First Aid (HLTAID003) course for a limited time. As an AMA member you or your practice staff can avail of a special price for any of our one or two day First Aid courses - dates listed below.

One day Course Dates: 28 Mar, 16 May, 27 Jun

Two day Course Dates: 27-28 Mar, 15-16 May, 26-27 Jun

To take advantage of this special offer, click here and register today for the dates that suit you.

For more information, please click here. 

 

Doctors employed in Corrective Services facilities

The AMA (WA) is seeking a meeting with the Commissioner of Corrective Services to discuss a number of concerns shared by Doctors working in Corrective Services facilities.

The AMA (WA) is also planning a meeting with the Director General of Health with this group of Doctors to share information about potential changes to the management of health services in Corrective Services facilities.

Please contact the AMA (WA)’s Industrial Team for advice.

Important update for GPs on Zostavax

The DoH has releeased an important update on Zostavax and individuals who are immunocompromised.

Zostavax contains around 14 times more live attenuated varicella-zoster virus than childhood varicella vaccines.

Administration to people who are immunocompromised is associated with risk of disseminated disease from the vaccine virus. In addition to being contraindicated for those with previous anaphylaxis to the vaccine or its components, it is vital all GPs are aware of the CONTRAINDICATIONS, which include, but are not limited to:

· Haematological or generalised malignancies (including those not on treatment): e.g. lymphoma, acute or chronic leukaemia, Hodgkin’s disease
· Solid organ or bone marrow transplant recipients (with exceptions as advised by specialists)
· HIV/AIDS (with exceptions as advised by specialist) or other congenital/acquired immunodeficiencies
· Current or recent high-dose systemic immunosuppressive therapy: e.g. chemotherapy, radiation therapy, oral corticosteroids, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.

For more information, please click here.

Looking for a loan? We can find you the right lender

AMA Financial Services is proud to announce the launch of its Mortgage Referral Service, a new service offering allowing it to access multiple lenders/banks and spanning not just home loans but business loans and asset/vehicle finance.

Please call us on 1300 763 766 and speak to our Financial Advisers Venus Wong or Jyothi Sarac to find out more.

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