AMA Fees List 2018 now available

The AMA has enhanced a key member benefit, with the launch of the AMA Fees List online in October. The new website has replaced the previous book and CD-ROM formats, making setting medical fees faster and more user friendly than ever before.
 

The new Fees List includes the annual 1 November 2018 indexation rates.
 

Since 1973, the Fees List has been a critical aid for AMA members by providing an important reference guide on medical fees. The Fees List is an original work owned and administered by the AMA Secretariat.
 

In moving online this year, the Fees List has been enhanced with number of features in to make referencing AMA Fees fast and easy for any medical discipline. This includes:

• Interactive dashboard to find, search and save AMA fees
• Search function that links directly to AMA and MBS item descriptions
• Customised user profile with options to save, download or print favourite items
• Fee calculator tools including a new Anaesthesia fee calculator
• Ability to print parts of, or full PDFs of the Fees List
• Online tutorials and help tools
• Mobile and tablet compatible
• Full PDF and CSV downloads.

The 1 November AMA Fees List is now available to access from the Fees List website: https://feeslist.ama.com.au/ 

PLEASE NOTE: As you would all be aware Medicare has released over 300 changes to the MBS schedule for 1 November. Due to high number of changes and the timeline with the indexation of the Fees List the newly indexed AMA Fees List release will NOT include the 1 November MBS changes. We are making every effort to review and include these changes as soon as possible and will notify members as soon as we release the updates.

 
To access the new AMA Fees List online, members will require a Federal username and password for ama.com.au

If you haven’t already, contact Member Services on 1300 133 655 or by email memberservices@ama.com.au to set up your log in details and be one of the first to access the new Fees List online.

Mandatory Reporting: WA retains gold-standard model as remaining states attempt to play catch-up

The sometimes sensitive issue of Mandatory Reporting in Australia is once again under the spotlight with the Queensland Parliament considering changes to reporting requirements.

The Queensland legislation is the latest step in a long running story which is important for every medical professional in WA. The AMA (WA) fought a strong battle to ensure the best legislation in Australia almost a decade ago – and we will continue to fight to protect it irrespective of developments in other States.

In WA, a doctor (treating-practitioner) is not required to notify AHPRA of another practitioner’s conduct, if the reasonable belief is formed in the course of providing health services to the practitioner (patient-practitioner).

This exemption is due almost solely to the fight by the AMA (WA) in 2010 which advocated strongly for mandatory reporting prior to the legislation being adopted in WA.

Considered the gold standard, the WA policy enables doctors to seek treatment without fearing the impact on their professional reputation and medical registration.

Look out for further information on Mandatory Reporting in the upcoming edition of Medicus. 

Senior Doctors’ Recall vs Additional Hours – Update

Further to the article in the July 2018 Medicus, the AMA (WA) has continued to advocate for recalls being able to be claimed even where the practitioner has not left the health service, but is effectively required, for clinical reasons, to remain at work beyond their usual professional commitment.

Following the most recent conference before the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WIARC) on 18 September 2018, the parties agreed to a 3 months trial of a new P8 which provides some uniform guidelines to Heads of Departments for the approval of recall claims in such circumstances.

To continue reading, visit the AMA (WA) website. 

Free booze at the cricket? No way, says AMA (WA)

Free booze at cricket games would guarantee a return to the past – of alcohol fueled violence, of drunkenness and need for protective cages for patrons, especially families.

“Rod Marsh was a fantastic cricketer and an icon to millions of Australians, but his idea of offering free beer as a way of getting people back to the game is one of the worst suggestions I have ever heard,” AMA (WA) President Dr Omar Khorshid said.

To continue reading, visit the AMA (WA) website. 

‘It’s a terrible idea’: AMA (WA) slams helmet-free cycling trial

AMA (WA) President, Dr Omar Khorshid, recently joined 6PR to discuss the helmet-free cycling trial. Dr Khorshid has slammed the potential trial which will allow people to choose whether they wear a helmet when they’re cyclin, labeling it a ‘terrible idea’.

To listen to the full radio segment, visit the 6PR website. 

General Practitioner Job | Aboriginal Health Service

AMA Recruit is currently seeking a GP to join a not-for-profit program, working two days a week, Monday and Tuesday, in Narrogin. 

The role: 

• Ongoing requirement for GP to work Monday and Tuesday
• 85% of billings/initial day rate and accommodation available
• Long standing, well supported service

For further information or to apply, please visit the AMA Recruit website.  

Alternatively, contact Dave Bell at AMA Recruit on 9273 3096 or dave.bell@amawa.com.au. 

AMA Financial Services - 3 Generation Testamentary Trust bundle for AMA (WA) members

The 3-Generation Testamentary Trust offered by one of AMA Financial Services’ Estate Planning partners, Legal Consolidated Barristers and Solicitors offers additional advantages over a testamentary trust, which include:

• 3-Generation Testamentary Trust – reduces CGT & stamp duty
• Superannuation Testamentary Trust – reduces the 17% or 32% tax on Super going to adult children
• Bankruptcy Trusts – if a beneficiary is bankrupt
• Divorce Protection Trust – if a child separates, it stops the Family Court taking your money
• Maintenance Trust – if a beneficiary is under 18 or vulnerable
• Enduring Power of Attorney – an Enduring Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document. It allows you to appoint a person/s to make decisions about your assets. The POA deals with your assets, e.g. real estate and bank accounts.
• Enduring Power of Attorney - Medical Treatment – is also a legal document, and while your Enduring POA looks after money, property and wealth, your Enduring Power of Attorney - Medical Treatment deals with your body. Who looks after you, when you can’t?

If you would like to discuss your personal situation and need help reviewing or establishing your will, please contact our Financial Advisers Venus Wong or Jyothi Sarac on 1800 262 287 or email us at advice@amafp.com.au

For more information on our special offer for AMA (WA) members, visit the AMA (WA) website. 

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