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Timely News for Australian
 Medical Practice Managers

January / February 2014
LATEST NEWS!

 

Privacy Act Amendments
Significant amendments to the Privacy Act 1988 were passed by Parliament in November 2012 and the Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Act 2012 comes into force on 12 March 2014. The 10 National Privacy Principles (NPPs) currently in place will be replaced by 13 Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) ... read more

Is your practice ready for the Privacy Act changes ... read more

Botox - Advertising Guidelines
Practices need to be aware that advertising services to the general public that involve Schedule 4 (prescription-only) substances e.g. Botox, Collagen, etc is illegal. The TGA advises that there should be no reference to the substances, however advertisements can contain wording such as "anti-wrinkle injections/treatment" ... read more 
   
Does Your Practice Disaster Preparedness

With many states experiencing extreme weather conditions over the summer it is an opportune time to consider your practice's preparedness for possible disasters and emergencies.  

 

The RACGP has developed a free online Emergency Response Planning Tool (ERPT) to assist general practices in their emergency response planning. The tool has planning templates, where you can enter your practice's information, that can be saved and used to create an emergency response plan  ... read more. 

 
There is also a link on knowNOW! > Non-Clinical / Practice Management / Resources.
 
Heat Stress Signs
With temperatures soaring in some of our states (Melbourne recently experienced its longest heatwave in 100 years!) your practice staff need to be aware of the signs of heat stress. 

 

Signs to look out for include:
  • headache
  • nausea
  • dizziness
  • weakness
  • irritability
  • thirst
  • heavy sweating
Anyone showing these symptoms should be taken to a cool place, rested and given cold drinks. 
 
Best Practice Software and PCEHR

Best Practice has now been added to the NEHTA PIP eHealth Product Register in the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR) category.

 

You can refer to the Best Practice website for information on current updates.

  

The Australian Immunisation Handbook - 10th Edition

A reminder that the 10th Edition of The Australian Immunisation Handbook is now available. The handbook provides clinical advice for health professionals on the safest and most effective use of vaccines in their practice. Click here to view the updates.
  

Breast Screening For Over 70's

Recent research undertaken suggests that it would be useful for women who have been participating in breast screening from the age of 50 to continue having breast screening after they turn 70 as it does appear to lead to early detection, Traditionally breast screening has been encouraged for women aged 50-69  ... read more

  

Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) Online

The 1 January 2014 MBS files are now available to download ... read more. Please note that this is not applicable to Pracsoft users.
TOP TIP FOR ACCREDITATION
Criterion 4.2.2 Information security
Our practice ensures the security of our patient health information
 
The key points for this criterion are:
  • The privacy and security of health information held by a practice is a legal obligation
  • Computer security is an important aspect of information security
  • Information security must encompass availability of information, integrity of information and designated access to information
  • Computerised practices need a contingency plan to cover computer crashes
  • The practice needs a designated staff member with primary responsibility for computer security 
RESOURCES ON KNOWNOW!
Did you know that there are many direct links on knowNOW! that may be useful to your practice. Under the Accreditation tab you will find a link to RACGP's Computer and Information Security Standards: Accreditation > Computer Information Security Standards 
 

 

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 $38.95 per month which includes unlimited users! 

  

 

Click here to register for your FREE 30 Day trial of knowNOW!

ARE YOU READY FOR ACCREDITATION?
Is your practice coming up for Accreditation?
  • Do you know all the changes from the 3rd to the 4th standards? 
  • Have you actually implemented and documented the new procedures? 
  • Is your practice team aware of these changes?
Medical Directions can help! We can customise a package to meet your practice needs.
Visit our website or contact Kathryn on 1300 978 897.
WHATS ON? 
RECIPE OF THE MONTH 
 

Triple Chocolate Cake  

Not good for those who made New Year's resolutions but delicious for all you chocolate lovers!

 

 


Ingredients  

250 grams butter - chopped

200 grams dark chocolate - chopped

100 grams milk chocolate - finely chopped

¼ cup milk

1 cup caster sugar

3 eggs - lightly beaten

1 cup self-raising flour

 ¼ cup cocoa powder

 

Method

Preheat oven to 160º.

Lightly grease and line a deep 22 cm round cake pan with baking paper.

In a medium saucepan, combine butter, dark chocolate and milk and stir over a low heat until melted and smooth.

Transfer to a large bowl and allow to cool.

Whisk sugar and eggs into chocolate mixture.

Sift flour and cocoa together and fold into chocolate mixture.

Stir through half milk chocolate and pour into pan.

Sprinkle with remaining chocolate.

Bake 1¼ hours - until skewer inserted in centre comes out with moist crumbs.

Cool completely in pan.

Dust with icing sugar and serve with cream.

 

ENJOY!
Kathryn Davis
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I would love to hear your feedback on my newsletters or if you have a story to share or a question to ask please email me.
 
Until next time ... take care!
Kath Signature PNG  

P: 1300 978 897 | E: kathryn@medicaldirections.com.au | W: www.medicaldirections.com.au

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