In this episode of Medicubes, hosts Chris and Riwka bring listeners the latest developments from the Digital Health Festival 2025. Speaking with a range of industry representatives. Sharing current trends and practical considerations for practice managers navigating the evolving digital health environment.

They note the vast increase in vendors offering AI solutions. Practice managers are advised to stay informed, assess the fit for their own organisations, and engage with the wider community and industry forums to shape and benefit from digital health innovations.

Key Points:

• AI Emergence and Cautious Adoption: Lachie Phelps (My Practice Services) highlights the increasing prominence of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. 

• HealthEngine and Market Innovation: Darius Wey (Healthengine) outlines the rapid expansion of AI-focused companies in the sector and predicts continued innovation over the next 12 months. 

• Innovations in Patient Education: Tina Campbell (Healthily) discusses the progress in digital patient education, along with the use of conversational voice AI to bridge communication gaps for patients with varying digital literacy. 

• Reducing Administrative Burden: Kai Van Lieshout (Lyrebird Health) identifies automation of paperwork and inbound call management as immediate opportunities for digital solutions to free up staff time, allowing clinical teams to focus more on patient care.

• Data Standards and Health Information Sharing: Ryan Mavin (Australian Digital Health Agency) addresses the importance of interoperability and standards in health information exchange. 

• Centre the Patient and Avoid Tech-for-Tech’s Sake: Dr Sean Stevens (RACGP) and others stress that digital transformation should keep the patient at the centre. Technology should serve patient outcomes rather than be implemented simply for novelty.

• Practice Management and Workflow Simplification: Dan Wijeratne (Modern Innovations) outlines the benefits of digitising care plans, integrating AI for process improvements, and using automation for efficient report writing and communication within practices.

Links & Resources:

• https://myps.net.au/
• https://healthengine.com.au/
• https://healthily.com.au/goshare/
• https://healthily.com.au/gosharevoice-2/
• https://www.lyrebirdhealth.com/au
• https://www.digitalhealth.gov.au/
• https://www.mygpmptool.com.au/

For more information and previous episodes, visit www.medicubes.com.au

Medicubes is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Healthengine today!

Healthengine is a proud sponsor of the Medicubes podcast. Our easy-to-integrate, and even easier to use, technology helps boost your digital presence, grow your patient base, maximise your practice efficiency and build deeper relationships with your patients. Learn more

Healthengine

In this episode of Medicubes, hosts Chris, Riwka, and Kim are joined by Danielle Bancroft, Chief Product Officer at Best Practice and practising pharmacist, to discuss the future of cloud technology in general practice software.

They explore what “cloud” means in a primary care context, how it differs from existing on-site servers, and the practical benefits and challenges for practices considering a transition. Focusing on the gradual, manageable introduction of new cloud-enabled features to support clinics in their day-to-day operation.

Key Points:

• Defining “the Cloud”: Cloud technology means your practice software is securely accessed online rather than tied to a physical server at the clinic, allowing for greater flexibility and less maintenance burden on practice staff.
• Benefits for Practice Workflow: Cloud features are being designed to simplify task management, reduce administrative time, and proactively deliver patient information to clinicians—improving efficiency and supporting better patient care.
• Cloud vs AI: Distinguishes between cloud services (where your software is hosted and accessed) and artificial intelligence (using data to provide insights or automate tasks), highlighting how they complement but don’t replace each other.
• Transition Considerations: Practices are encouraged to assess their unique needs when thinking about moving to cloud services, focusing on practical improvements. 
• Cybersecurity: Importance of strengthening data security, with cloud solutions offering built-in protections and supporting better compliance in light of recent high-profile data breaches.
• Incremental Change: Best Practice’s approach to cloud involves stepwise introduction of new modules and features, such as mobile access and digital payments, to minimise disruption and help practices adapt at their own pace.

Links & Resources:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellebancroft/
• https://bpsoftware.net/
• BP Support line and to register your interest to become a Beta testing site AU 1300 40 1111 | NZ 0800 40 1111 +61 7 3223 7700 (callers outside Australia and New Zealand)

Medicubes is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Healthengine today!

Healthengine is a proud sponsor of the Medicubes podcast. Our easy-to-integrate, and even easier to use, technology helps boost your digital presence, grow your patient base, maximise your practice efficiency and build deeper relationships with your patients. Learn more

Healthengine

In this episode of Medicubes, join hosts Chris and Riwka for a comprehensive debrief on the Big GP Budget. They are joined by Kelly Chard, a chartered accountant specialising in medical practices, and Bruce Willett, a general practitioner and former RACGP vice president.

They delve into the implications of the recent budget announcement for general practices. They discuss major changes, including bulk billing incentives, adjustments to GP workforce training, women's health initiatives, urgent care clinics, and key non-health budget impacts on practices.

Key Points:

• Bulk Billing Incentives: Expanded eligibility and the introduction of a new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program, which offers a loading for practices committed to universal bulk billing. They highlight the need to carefully consider this initiative, given the potential financial impact and long-term implications on practice models.
• GP Workforce: Government investment in expanding GP training placements and introducing salary incentives to attract more practitioners. 
• Health Equality: Enhancements in women's health services, including new Medicare rebates for menopause health assessments and increased support for contraceptive methods. These were aimed to address existing health service gaps.
• Access and Alternatives: Expansion of urgent care clinics and lack of clarity around the announced changes to CDM (Chronic Disease Management) to CCM (Comprehensive Care Management), with the panel urging practices to stay informed and prepare for potential reforms.
• Non-Health Budget Impacts: Discussion on general tax changes, implications for small businesses, and challenges practices might face, including ATO compliance activities and the cessation of instant asset write-off measures.

Links & Resources:

• Upcoming Changes to Bulk Billing Incentives in General Practice Fact Sheet and Resources: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/upcoming-changes-to-bulk-billing-incentives-in-general-practice
• Free 2025 Medicare Incentive Tool: https://www.cubiko.com.au/resources/proposed-2025-bulk-billing-changes/

Medicubes is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Healthengine today!

Healthengine is a proud sponsor of the Medicubes podcast. Our easy-to-integrate, and even easier to use, technology helps boost your digital presence, grow your patient base, maximise your practice efficiency and build deeper relationships with your patients. Learn more

Healthengine

In this episode of Medicubes, hosts Riwka and Kim are joined by Dr Sarah Mollard, a GP from Five Star Medical Centre and clinical lead at Healthy North Coast. They delve into the topic of palliative care involvement in primary care, particularly the role of nurses.

Sharing her insights on shifting perspectives around palliative care, emphasising its importance in enhancing patients’ quality of life earlier in their journey rather than just in their final days.

Key Points:

• Palliative Care Perspective: Palliative care should not be limited to end-of-life scenarios but be part of early patient management to improve quality of life.
• Role of Nurses: Nurses play a critical role in palliative care through chronic disease management, psychosocial support, and care planning activities.
• Advanced Care Planning: Addressing hesitancies, Dr Mollard discusses the importance of initiating advanced care planning conversations early to align with patient wishes.
• Proactive Planning: Early identification of patients benefiting from palliative care supports proactive care, better planning, and fulfilling patient and family wishes.
• Holistic Approach: A holistic understanding of palliative care involves examining broader patient needs beyond disease management, involving psychosocial care, and planning for supportive resources.

Links & Resources:

• https://www.advancecareplanning.org.au
• https://www.eldac.com.au/Our-Toolkits/Primary-Care

Everyone is encouraged to think creatively and engage in team discussions to optimise patient palliative care pathways and use available resources for training and effective care delivery.

Medicubes is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Healthengine today!

Healthengine is a proud sponsor of the Medicubes podcast. Our easy-to-integrate, and even easier to use, technology helps boost your digital presence, grow your patient base, maximise your practice efficiency and build deeper relationships with your patients. Learn more

Healthengine

In this episode of Medicubes, hosts Kim, Riwka, and Chris are joined by Dr Cheryl Wilson. Originally from Canada, Dr Wilson has built a remarkable career in sports therapy and medicine, being the first woman in Canada to work as a sports therapist with a professional ice hockey team.

Dr Wilson later moved to Australia where she studied at Flinders University and pursued rural general practice and lifestyle medicine. She has extensive expertise in athletic therapy, sports medicine, rural practice, and lifestyle medicine.

Key Points:

• Career Path: Dr Wilson’s journey from sports therapy in Canada to rural general practice in Australia.
• Solo GP Benefits: The flexibility of managing her own schedule, attending conferences, and taking necessary time off.
• Healthcare Worker Support: Emphasising on systemic changes to better support healthcare providers and prevent burnout.
• Lifestyle Medicine: Advocacy for lifestyle medicine as "core medicine," highlighting diet, physical activity, and mental well-being.
• Shared Medical Appointments: The practicalities and patient community benefits of hosting shared medical sessions.
• Financial Challenges: Discussing Medicare’s billing system impacts and the necessity for systemic changes for thorough patient care.
• Patient Interaction: She advises against "hexing" patients with negative expectations or diagnoses, emphasising a positive approach to care.

Resource and Links:

• Dr Cheryl Wilson’s website: www.doctorwilson.com.au
• ASLM website: www.lifestylemedicine.org.au

Make sure you're subscribed to the podcast so you don't miss an episode, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you found value in it. Visit www.medicubes.com.au for previous episodes and more information.

Medicubes is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Healthengine today!

Healthengine is a proud sponsor of the Medicubes podcast. Our easy-to-integrate, and even easier to use, technology helps boost your digital presence, grow your patient base, maximise your practice efficiency and build deeper relationships with your patients. Learn more

Healthengine

In this episode of Medicubes, hosts Chris, Riwka, and Kim are joined by Michele Blanshard from Magentus Practice Management.

Discussing the evolution of practice management software, they focused on Magentus' Genie and Gen2 platforms. Michele shares her insights on the shift from desktop-based systems to cloud-based solutions, highlighting the benefits and challenges associated with this transition.

Key Points:

• Michele's Career Journey: Michele shares her career journey from nursing in intensive care to her current role in practice management software.
• Genie and Gen2: An overview of the Genie and Gen2 practice management solutions, focusing on their history and development.
• Cloud Transition: Benefits of moving to cloud-based systems, including accessibility, reduced IT infrastructure costs, improved security, and user-friendly interfaces.
• Practice Efficiency: The importance of practice efficiency and how cloud-based solutions can alleviate the administrative burden on healthcare staff and improve patient care.
• Gen2 Marketplace: Introduction to the Gen2 Marketplace, a curated platform offering integrated solutions for patient forms, online bookings, telehealth, and more.
• E-Requests and E-Bookings: Innovations in digital referrals and theatre bookings, aimed at improving workflow and patient outcomes through interoperability and real-time data sharing.

Make sure you're subscribed to the podcast so you don't miss an episode, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you found value in it. Visit www.medicubes.com.au for previous episodes and more information.

Medicubes is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Healthengine today!

Healthengine is a proud sponsor of the Medicubes podcast. Our easy-to-integrate, and even easier to use, technology helps boost your digital presence, grow your patient base, maximise your practice efficiency and build deeper relationships with your patients. Learn more

Healthengine

In this episode of Medicubes, hosts Chris, Riwka, and Kim are joined by Dr Maria Boulton, a GP, business owner, and advocate for the medical sector. Dr Boulton shares insights from her extensive experience in managing medical practices and her role in the advocacy for general practice.

Discussing the importance of happiness and shared values in her co-owned practice, Family Doctors Plus. Dr Boulton elaborates on the distinctions between her role, which includes marketing and crisis management, and her colleague Fiona's focus on clinical protocols and procedures.

She also touched on the requirements needed to expand her practice from two to three locations, the imperative need for continuous learning and adaptability, and the significance of external support from accountants and advisory board members.

Key Points:

• Networking: Active networking with other practice owners across Australia allows for collaborative learning and the sharing of best practices. 
• Management Balance: Effective division of roles between Dr Boulton and her colleague, Fiona, ensures comprehensive management. 
• Governance: Building governance structures that allow flexibility and cater to the specific needs of each practice location is emphasised over a one-size-fits-all approach. 
• Advocacy: Dr Boulton's advocacy efforts focus on critical issues such as Medicare rebates, GP workforce conditions, and healthcare funding. 
• Community Involvement: Dr Boulton's commitment extends beyond her practice to community support. 
• Inspirational Journey: Dr Boulton shares her inspiration behind becoming a practice owner. This ambition led to the founding and expansion of Family Doctors Plus, driven by a desire to create an ideal work environment.

Make sure you're subscribed to the podcast so you don't miss an episode, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you found value in it. Visit www.medicubes.com.au for previous episodes and more information.

Medicubes is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Healthengine today!

Healthengine is a proud sponsor of the Medicubes podcast. Our easy-to-integrate, and even easier to use, technology helps boost your digital presence, grow your patient base, maximise your practice efficiency and build deeper relationships with your patients. Learn more

Healthengine

In this episode of Medicubes, hosts Chris, Riwka, and Kim are joined by Dr Jaspreet Saini, Principal GP at Rosedale Medical Practice and Clinic Director at Healthicare.

They delve into the topic of personal branding for healthcare professionals, discussing its significance, benefits, and practical implementation in the healthcare industry. Dr Saini shares his insights on how personal branding can help healthcare providers establish trust, build a narrative, and connect with patients and colleagues.

Key Points:

• Personal Branding Definition: Personal branding is as telling your story your way to your audience and its importance for healthcare practitioners.
• Patient Connection: Personal branding aids in establishing authority and connecting with patients beyond the consult room.
• Healthcare System Influence: Dr Saini discusses his role in driving health equity and reform, highlighting how personal branding has fueled his influence.
• Practical Tips: Guidance on choosing platforms, engaging safely, and finding one's voice through storytelling and listening to peers.
• Outsourcing: They discuss the aspects of personal branding that can be outsourced and the importance of maintaining authenticity and vulnerability.
• Resource Management: Considerations for clinicians managing workload and personal energy levels when engaging in personal branding activities.

Make sure you're subscribed to the podcast so you don't miss an episode, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you found value in it. Visit www.medicubes.com.au for previous episodes and more information.

Medicubes is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Healthengine today!

Healthengine is a proud sponsor of the Medicubes podcast. Our easy-to-integrate, and even easier to use, technology helps boost your digital presence, grow your patient base, maximise your practice efficiency and build deeper relationships with your patients. Learn more

Healthengine

In this episode of Medicubes, hosts Chris and Riwka are joined by Danielle Bancroft, Chief Product Officer at Best Practice Software and a practising pharmacist. Her role in Best Practice involves strategic leadership, understanding customer needs, and balancing these with regulatory requirements. They explore the innovations in healthcare technology, data security, and the evolving role of technology in patient care.

Key Points:

• Cloud Investment and Cybersecurity: Danielle highlights the importance of robust cloud capabilities and cybersecurity to protect patient data in light of recent data breaches in Australia.
• Proactive Healthcare: The shift towards proactive healthcare, facilitated by biometric data and wearables, enables preventive care and active patient health management.
• Future of GP Interactions: The need for an omnichannel approach and data analytics to meet diverse patient needs and prevent other industries from filling the gap.
• Telehealth and Technology Enablers: The expanded role of telehealth and the convenience of tools like Best Practice Mobile, which enhances clinician efficiency.
• Government Regulations and Change Management: Danielle discusses adapting to legislative changes, maintaining government communication, and educating users about software updates.
• Cybersecurity and AI in Healthcare: Ongoing cybersecurity training and evaluating software vendors are crucial. They also discussed AI advancements in automating tasks like clinical notes.

Make sure you're subscribed to the podcast so you don't miss an episode, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you found value in it. Visit www.medicubes.com.au for previous episodes and more information.

Medicubes is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Healthengine today!

Healthengine is a proud sponsor of the Medicubes podcast. Our easy-to-integrate, and even easier to use, technology helps boost your digital presence, grow your patient base, maximise your practice efficiency and build deeper relationships with your patients. Learn more

Healthengine

In this episode of Medicubes, join hosts Chris and Riwka as they delve into the latest updates on Chronic Disease Management (CDM), which is transitioning to Chronic Care Management (CCM). 

Chris and Riwka reviewed the delayed implementation of new CDM/CCM protocols, originally slated for 1 November 2024, now extended to 1 July 2025. Discussing the Department of Health and Aging's rationale behind the delay, aiming to give practices and providers additional time to prepare for the significant changes.

Key Points:

• Current CDM Importance: Practices are encouraged to continue their present CDM activities and utilise existing systems and protocols. This period is a good opportunity to fine-tune existing practices and systems.
• Speculative Funding and Modelling: Concerns around the still-undecided rebate and the financial implications for various practices. Delaying the changes aims to refine these aspects better.
• Team Care Arrangement Compliance: The expected relaxation of team care arrangement compliance is seen as a positive change that hasn't been fully actualised yet.
• MyMedicare Registration: Ensuring patients are registered with MyMedicare, as future reforms will likely depend on this. It's vital for practices to proactively enrol patients now to avoid last-minute rushes.
• 10997 Item Numbers: A strong recommendation to utilise the 10997 health assessments for eligible patients before potential changes in funding in the next fiscal year.
• Takeaway Advice: To vent frustrations, regroup and take advantage of the delay to refine practices, ensure patient and staff preparedness, and avoid misinformation by relying on trusted sources.

Make sure you're subscribed to the podcast so you don't miss an episode, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you found the discussion valuable. Visit www.medicubes.com.au for previous episodes and more information.

Medicubes is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Healthengine today!

Healthengine is a proud sponsor of the Medicubes podcast. Our easy-to-integrate, and even easier to use, technology helps boost your digital presence, grow your patient base, maximise your practice efficiency and build deeper relationships with your patients. Learn more

Healthengine