Accreditation Details
The Department of Human Services has recently upgraded its system so that accreditation details for practices are sent directly to them. This means that practices no longer need to provide the Department with their accreditation certificate. Remember: Your accreditation must be kept up-to-date at all times to be eligible for the PIP and PNIP.

New MBS Item Number - Diagnosis of Diabetes
Item number 66841 was introduced late last year for the diagnosis of diabetes in high risk patients by using a measurement of HbA1c. Note: this item will not be used to calculate the number of diabetic patients for PIP purposes. Read the Guidelines for the PIP Diabetes Incentive.

Indigenous Health Incentive
A reminder that if your practice has chosen to participate in the Indigenous Health Incentive, it is a requirement that at least two staff members (including one GP) complete cultural awareness training within 12 months of the practice signing up for the incentive. Read the Guidelines for the Indigenous Health Incentive. Note: the old versions of the Indigenous Health Incentive Patient Registration and Consent Forms are no longer accepted. The current form can be found on the Department's website.

PIP Available Online
PIP is now available online via HPOS so there is no longer any need for practices to send in their paperwork and it is easier to update practice details. The authorised contact person can add, remove or change details in the "Contact Details" screen and practices can also choose to to receive correspondence through HPOS.

More than 5,500 services listed on the MBS will be reviewed by the Government's new MBS Review Taskforce. The Minister for Health announced that there will also be a public submission process whereby all Australians will be able to contribute ... read more
 

• 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
• Your practice must have a designated staff member who has the primary responsibility for computer security. 

The RACGP Computer and Information Security Standards (CISS) provides essential information and recommendations for practices.