|
BREAKING NEWS!
ONLINE THREAT HITTING MEDICAL PRACTICES
Police are warning about an extortion racket which locks up data on computers and then demands thousands of dollars to release the information. The scam which is called Ransomware has hit four medical practices in Queensland already.
Ransomware essentially involves the data on your computer being encrypted against your wishes until you pay a ransom to have it unlocked ... read more.
Your best defence is prevention:
- back up your data regularly
- test to ensure it can be restored if needed
- ensure that you have up-to-date security software
- change your passwords frequently
- use different passwords throughout your network
- have a practice policy that does not allow links in unknown emails to be clicked or access to unauthorised websites
NEW MBS FEES FROM 1 NOVEMBER 2012
Remember to update your billing software to the new MBS fees from today.
MBS data files have been updated for 1 November 2012 ... read more.
$2.55 MILLION FUNDING TO SUPPORT GPs ENGAGE WITH PCEHR
RACGP will receive funding to support GPs confidently engage with the PCEHR. The funding will support the RACGP in undertaking three key roles ... read more.
- Security of the PCEHR
- e-Health curriculum
- PCEHR Clinical Peer Advocacy Program
CHANGES TO PIP eHEALTH INCENTIVE
It was announced in the 2012-13 Budget that there will be new requirements introduced for practices to be eligible for the PIP eHealth Incentive ... read more.
The new requirements and dates are:
1 February 2013
> Integrating healthcare identifiers into electronic practice records
> Secure messaging
> Data records and clinical coding
> Electronic transfer of prescriptions
1 May 2013
> Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR)
8th EDITION RED BOOK LAUNCHED
The RACGP has launched its 8th edition of the RACGP Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice - the Red Book ... read more.
PATIENT AGGRESSION WITHIN GENERAL PRACTICE
Recent media coverage has highlighted findings of an Australian study that shows an increasing level of patient aggression being experienced by GPs and junior doctors.
The RACGP has developed two educational resources for GPs, General Practice - a safe place: tips and tools booklet and a supporting online education module. These materials outline a range of practical strategies to support the creation of safe working environments; they also look at ways to help prevent violent incidents and decrease the impact of violence when it occurs.
This booklet is a valuable resource for every general practice in Australia and is relevant to all members of the practice team...read more
|
NEWS FROM MEDICAL DIRECTIONS
 knowNOW! is the essential medical practice management program for collecting, protecting and accessing your practice operational files and information 24/7.
Sign up today to receive a month's free trial of knowNOW! and once you realise how much it will help your practice it's just $30 per month which includes unlimited users!
GPCE CONFERENCE - MELBOURNE
We will be at the GPCE Conference in Melbourne on 16-18 November. So come and see knowNOW! demonstrated and meet the Medical Directions Team at Booth 1810.
MEDICAL DIRECTIONS FORUM
Have you visited the Forum on Medical Directions website yet?
You can 'talk' with others about any issues regarding Accreditation or other practice issues you may have.
It's a great way to bounce ideas around with each other and pick up some great tips.
You just need to register for the Forum and start asking those questions!
|
|
PRACTICE TOP TIP FOR ACCREDITATION
Criterion 4.1.2 Occupational Health and Safety
Our practice implements strategies to ensure the occupational health and safety of our GPs and other members of the practice team
- Practices need to consider how they ensure the practice is a safe working environment
- Practices need to be staffed by at least one additional person who is trained to take telephone calls, make appointments, assess the urgency of requests for appointments and assist with medical emergencies
- Practices are encouraged to consider setting up a duress alarm system as a mechanism for protecting the safety of practice staff
For more information refer to:
RACGP Standards for general practices 4th edition - Criterion 4.1.2
|
|
ACCREDITATION NEWS
Accreditation Assistance Incentive Payment
- Is your practice due for accreditation with either AGPAL or GPA?
- Do you need to be updated with the current RACGP Standards?
- Are you and your staff stressed with the thought of accreditation?
- Would you like to know how to have all your online resources, documents and practice information stored in one easily accessible secure location?
If you answered YES to all or some of the questions above then why not take advantage of the Accreditation Assistance Incentive Payment and have Medical Directions help your practice get Accreditation?
Practices who are not yet accredited can take up the Accreditation Assistance Incentive Payment offered by the Practice Nurse Incentive Program (PNIP).
To be eligible for the one-off $5,000 Accreditation Assistance Incentive Payment a practice must be registered for accreditation against the RACGP Standards for general practice 4th edition. Practice branches are not eligible for the $5,000 payment.
The practice must:
- Join the PNIP
- Provide Medicare Australia with proof of registration for accreditation on application; and
- Become accredited within 12 months of joining the PNIP
If a practice withdraws or payments cease from the PNIP and the practice subsequently reapplies for payment under the PNIP, the practice will not be entitled to another accreditation assistance payment.
|
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Cottage Cheese Loaf
Whip up a great dish for that summer luncheon !
Ingredients
2 eggs
¼ cup milk
1 cup rolled oats
500 grams cottage cheese
1 onion - chopped
2 cloves garlic - crushed
6-8 mushrooms - sliced
1 tsp mixed dried herbs
salt and pepper
Sunflower seeds
Method
Beat the eggs and milk together
Combine with the oats and cottage cheese and leave to stand
Sauté onions, garlic and mushrooms in olive oil
Combine all ingredients and add herbs and seasoning
Sprinkle top with sunflower seeds
Bake in greased casserole dish for 30-40 minutes @ 180°
ENJOY!
|
