Medicubes

In this episode of Medicubes, hosts Chris, Riwka, and Kim are joined by guest Kylie Gibson, Business Manager at Fisher Family Practice, Holder Family Practice and Fisher Allied Health.  

They discuss the important role of social workers in general practice, the benefits of integrating social workers into care teams, the various services they provide, and how they support vulnerable elderly individuals to remain in their homes. 

Tune in for insights into the collaborative approach between social workers and GPs, the challenges faced, and the positive impact on patient care.

Key Points:

• Social Worker Role: Referred patients get comprehensive support, covering information provision, ongoing aid, and tackling complex healthcare needs.
• Teamwork and Patient Goals: Social workers collaborate with patients, focusing on goal-setting and consistent consultations.
• Advocacy: They serve as advocates, guiding patients through the system to close any gaps in care.
• Pilot Program: Funded by Capital Health Network, the Social Workers in General Practice Pilot Program is an Australian first, aiming to enhance care for those with complex social and health barriers.
• Evaluation: University of Canberra is independently evaluating the program.
• Financial Barriers: Although currently limited by funding and Medicare restrictions, the data collected in this pilot will hopefully demonstrate the ongoing need for Social Workers in General Practice, and propose pathways for future funding. 

Additional Resources:

• Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13): https://www.rand.org/health-care/projects/acove/survey.html 
• Medicubes Podcast: Website: www.medicubes.com.au

In this episode of Medicubes, join Ben Ryan and Kelly Chard as they discuss the intricacies of payroll tax for GP clinics.

They cover how payroll tax affects medical practices in Australia and the recent crackdown by revenue offices on non-compliant practices. Hear real-world cases highlighting the importance of properly classifying doctors to not run into payroll tax pain later down the line.

This is part 2 of this mini-series on payroll tax.  Jump back to episode 17 on this podcast feed for part 1.

Key Takeaways:

• Some medical practices have chosen to pay the payroll tax after the amnesty period based on their own interpretations.
• The incorporation of practitioners into specialised clinics is becoming a common strategy for providing services.
• The payroll tax discussion is prompting critical thinking and strategic planning for future business models.
• Practitioners express little enthusiasm for paying payroll tax in the traditional model.
• It is crucial to avoid a system where the practice manager or another individual retains control of funds.
• Implementing separate bank accounts for different types of transactions, such as third-party payments, can aid in tracking.
• A different mindset and reconciliation process are needed to effectively track payments and manage debtors.
• Various approaches exist for reconciliation, from manual checks to automated systems like Surgical Partners.
• Transferring funds from a central clearing account to individual practitioner accounts can lead to discrepancies.
• Choices must be made regarding working with doctors to manage their own funds or leaving it as a free-for-all.
• Checking service agreements for accuracy is a crucial task for accountants or bookkeepers.
• Common issues in service agreements include incorrect practice or doctor names and incorrect service fees.
• Poorly drafted agreements by inexperienced lawyers can have legal and commercial consequences.
• Change is expected in the healthcare system, necessitating a reevaluation of business models and engagement methods.
• The speaker highlights the negative impact of payroll tax and the need for focusing on business models and patient care.
• The direct flow of funds to doctors aligns with their business model, but challenges with visibility and reconciliation remain.
• Small practices can adapt to paying doctors directly, but larger practices may require new software solutions.
• The evolving situation may lead to potential rulings and changes in payroll technology, affecting how practices operate.
• Each practice needs to find its own path to maintain visibility for billing administration.

Remember this episode is not professional advice in any way.  Please seek your own accounting and legal advice taking into account your own unique circumstances.

In this episode of Medicubes, join Ben Ryan and Kelly Chard as they discuss the intricacies of payroll tax for GP clinics.

They cover how payroll tax affects medical practices in Australia and the recent crackdown by revenue offices on non-compliant practices. Hear real-world cases highlighting the importance of properly classifying doctors to not run into payroll tax pain later down the line.

Key Takeaways:

• 02:15 - Payroll tax is a state-based tax administered by each state's revenue office, not the ATO (Australian Taxation Office)
• 03:45 - Revenue offices are actively cracking down on medical practices that have been non-compliant with payroll tax regulations.
• 06:20 - Recent cases involving Optical Superstore and Thomas and Naaz have brought attention to the issue of properly classifying doctors and patients under the Payroll Tax Act.
• 10:30 - Medical practices need to consider payroll tax when dealing with doctors and patients and seek advice from experienced professionals.
• 14:10 - It is essential for medical practices to have conversations with knowledgeable professionals who specialise in both accounting and legal aspects of the medical industry.
• 17:45 - Updating bank accounts without considering the wider plan will not fix any existing payroll tax issues.
• 21:00 - Collaborating with legal advisors and experts is crucial to ensure operational changes align with legal advice.
• 24:15 - Understanding the business structure, evaluating day-to-day operations, and seeking professional advice are the first steps in managing payroll tax risks.

Remember this episode is not professional advice in any way.  Please seek your own accounting and legal advice taking into account your own unique circumstances.

In this episode of Medicubes, Riwka Hagen, Chris Smeed and Kim Poyner dive into the hot topic of the week - new patient registration, MyMedicare and its impact on healthcare practices in Australia. 

The team answer your questions and share valuable insights and guidance on understanding the differences between enrolling and registering patients, the changes with patient registration, and the potential challenges practices may face. 

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction to the new patient registration model, MyMedicare, and its voluntary nature.
• The objectives of My Medicare in enhancing the patient-GP relationship and primary care services.
• The significance of continuous patient care and how MyMedicare aims to achieve it.
• Enhanced access to GPs through My Medicare: Telephone consultations for Level C and Level D.
• The tripling of bulk billing incentives for telehealth consultations (Level C, D, and E) for pension card holders, healthcare card holders, and children under 16.
• A deep dive into the telehealth consultations covered by MyMedicare.
• The exclusion of registered patients from accessing chronic disease management services from other practices, ensuring continuity of care.
• An exploration into the possible challenges that practices might face due to the patient lock-in feature of My Medicare.
• Anticipations on the potential impact and benefits of My Medicare on healthcare service delivery.

Resources & Links:

• MyMedicare practice registration – Frequently asked questions - https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/mymedicare-practice-registration-frequently-asked-questions?language=en

In this episode, Chris, Kim and Riwka are joined by special guest Albert Naffah, CEO of CommBank Health, who brings a wealth of expertise to the discussion as they explore the role of digital technology in the healthcare industry.

Albert discusses the challenges faced by healthcare businesses and how digital solutions can create efficiencies and enhance the patient experience. He also reveals how Smart Health, a payment and claims platform with integrated analytics, is helping medical practices get paid more efficiently while attracting patients and talent alike.

Key Takeaways:

• (02:29) The increasing adoption of digital solutions in healthcare is driven by patient demand for modern solutions and healthcare businesses' need to create efficiencies and improve the patient experience.
• (12:54) Healthcare practices can benefit from non-clinical skills such as finance, operations, and human resources, which are crucial for practice success but not commonly taught in medical school.
• (21:10) Smart Health, a payment and claims platform with integrated analytics, helps medical practices get paid efficiently while attracting patients and talent.
• (28:05) The GP Insights report shows that many medical businesses experience higher patient demand than in previous years, leading to challenges, but also greater adoption of digital solutions.

Resources & Links:

• CommBank Health: https://www.commbank.com.au/business/corporate-industry/health.html
• Smart Health: https://www.commbank.com.au/business/health/solutions/smart-health.html
• GP Insights Report: https://www.commbank.com.au/content/dam/commbank/assets/business/corporate-industry/health/gp-insights-report-2023.pdf

In this episode of the Medicubes Podcast, hosts Chris Smeed, Riwka Hagen and Kim Poyner are joined by Dr Sean Stevens, co-owner of Grove Medical Victoria Park, to discuss the importance of building a positive culture in healthcare organisations.

Explore the insights and experiences that have shaped his views on the subject, as well as his tips for creating a workplace that fosters innovation and success.

Key Takeaways:

• Human resources, time management, and self-care are essential areas for leadership development in healthcare
• Practice management is similar to the role of a CEO in terms of running an organisation with authority and accountability
• Successful practices depend on a clear division of roles and responsibilities between practice owners and managers
• A positive workplace culture is critical for staff retention, patient satisfaction, and business growth
• Emphasising values such as fun and innovation can help differentiate a practice from others in the field
• Effective communication and trust-building are necessary for creating a culture that promotes success
• A solid induction and touch-base process can improve the chances of new employees succeeding in their roles

Links & Resources:

• The Good GP Podcast: https://www.racgp.org.au/racgp-digital-events-calendar/online-event-items/podcast/the-good-gp
• AAPM: https://www.aapm.org.au/
• "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey: https://www.stephencovey.com/7habits/7habits.php
• "Crucial Conversations" by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler: https://www.crucialskills.com/products/crucial-conversations/

Welcome to a special episode of the Medicubes Podcast hosted by Chris Smeed, Riwka Hagen and Kim Poyner.  

This episode is a deep dive into the recent federal budget and its implications for General Practice.

Joining the team in the second half of this episode is Bruce Willett, the National Vice President of the RACGP. 

About the Guest:

Bruce Willett is not just the National Vice President of RACGP, but also the Queensland RACGP chair and a practice owner of a large group practice south of Brisbane. His interests include medical education and practice quality improvement. With over a decade of experience as a medical educator and the supervisor liaison officer for GPTQ, Bruce firmly believes in the power of a supportive team in managing the challenges of GP work.

Join us in this episode as Bruce, Kim, Riwka and Chris shed light on the new opportunities and threats that the new government's budget brings to General Practice.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the New Budget: The Medicubes team and Bruce give us an in-depth analysis of the new budget, clarifying the changes and how they will affect General Practice.

• Unanswered Questions: Despite the detailed announcement, there are still some uncertainties. Let’s unpack the potential implications of what we don't know yet.

• Impacts on Practice Managers: The new budget brings changes that directly affect Practice Managers. Listen in to understand what these are and how to navigate them.

• Future of General Practice: With a new government and new budget, the landscape of General Practice is shifting. Hear first hand insights on where General Practice is headed.

Links / References:

• For a detailed breakdown of the federal budget 2023-24:
• https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/professional/federal-budget-2023-24-the-detailed-breakdown-for 

Welcome to The Medicubes Podcast with your hosts Riwka Hagen, Chris Smeed, and Kim Poyner. 

This episode features guest Deb Walter, a practice owner and manager of Sanctuary Medical Practice in Fletcher, New South Wales. 

Deb has firsthand experience with the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) and is passionate about accessibility and inclusion in healthcare because of her son Charlie, who lives with spina bifida and intellectual disability.

In this episode, the hosts and Deb discuss the successes and challenges of NDIS and share insights into how healthcare organisations can improve their services to support individuals with disabilities. 

Key Takeaways

- The NDIS is still in its infancy compared to Medicare, but it has made a dramatic impact on improving accessibility and affordability of healthcare for people with disabilities such as catheterisation, which used to cost thousands of dollars.

- The diverse range of coverage that NDIS offers makes it hard to navigate, and individuals need more help to determine what funding they should have.

- NDIS takes an individual approach to putting the client at the centre of funding, which dramatically changed Charlie's life.

- The guardianship and financial management process for people with disabilities can be confrontational for parents who have to ask the state for permission to care for their son/daughter.

- However, people with disabilities need to have a say in who makes decisions for them, even if they can't independently make all decisions.

- The staff in healthcare organisations should connect with patients on a more personal level and remember their preferences and interests.

- People with disabilities respond well to staff members who connect with them and become a part of their story, such as employing those who are neurodiverse and have intellectual disabilities.

- Standards for medical staff certification, such as CPR, may exclude people with disabilities, and we need to think more flexibly about these standards and not exclude carers and parents of people with disabilities from the healthcare workforce.

- Health professionals need templates to easily put together disability-related documents, and collaboration is needed to work towards creating and sharing templates as a resource.

- The paperwork in the disability service sector is huge, and staff turnover in group homes can cause difficulties for patients in continuity of care.

- Hospitals and healthcare facilities need to have staff who genuinely care and are willing to adapt to each individual's needs, including providing a parking spot and quiet space for individuals with disabilities.

Links & Resources

- Charlie's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/charliedidthis

- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission worker orientation module: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/workers/worker-training-modules-and-resources/worker-orientation-module

- Disability awareness training: https://disabilityawareness.com.au/elearning/disability-awareness/

- Useful links for intellectual disability: https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/intellectual-disability/id-essentials/resources/useful-links

In this episode, we explore the vital role of practice managers in healthcare and discuss the Australian Association of Practice Management (AAPM)'s importance in supporting them. We cover how the role of practice managers has changed during the Covid pandemic, the relentless advocacy for the profession, and the upcoming AAPM conference.

Join us in this exciting episode as we delve into the world of practice management and the crucial role it plays within the healthcare community. With our guest, Miranda Grace - CEO of the Australian Association of Practice Management's (AAPM), we discuss the impact of Covid on the responsibilities of practice managers, the AAPM’s role in providing support and advocating for the profession, and the upcoming AAPM conference in Adelaide.

Key Discussion Points

• The significant impact of practice managers on their communities
• The evolution of AAPM's role during the Covid pandemic
• The importance of timely and digestible information distribution
• Advocating for primary care and recognition of practice managers
• The differences in support needed between metropolitan and rural areas
• The importance of credentialing and recognition for practice managers
• Focus areas for AAPM, including education and skills development
• Upcoming AAPM Conference 2023 in Adelaide
• The benefits of joining AAPM for new practice managers
• The support and assistance provided by AAPM to its members

Resources and Links

• Australian Association of Practice Management (AAPM): AAPM Website
• Strengthening Medicare Task Force: Task Force Overview
• PIP and WIP: Practice Incentives Program (PIP) and Workforce Incentive Program (WIP)
• AAPM Conference 2023: Conference Information (Adelaide Convention Centre, 10th - 13th October)

In this episode, hosts Kim Poyner, Chris Smeed and Riwka Hagen interview Karen Booth, the President of the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA). They discuss the role of APNA in supporting primary health care nurses and the challenges faced by nurses in the industry, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Karen also shares her insights on the importance of continuing professional development and the impact of technology on the future of primary health care nursing.

Key Takeaways:

• The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) plays a crucial role in supporting primary health care nurses in Australia.
• Nurses in the primary health care industry face a number of challenges, including the need for ongoing professional development, managing increased patient demand, and ensuring their own health and wellbeing.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of nurses in the primary health care industry and the need for additional resources and support.
• APNA has developed a range of resources and training opportunities for primary health care nurses, including online courses and webinars.
• Nurses can access additional support through the APNA membership program, which includes access to professional development opportunities, mentoring and networking.
• Technology is increasingly playing a role in the future of primary health care nursing, including the use of telehealth and remote patient monitoring.
• Nurses need to be equipped with the skills to use new technologies effectively in their practice.
• There is a need for greater recognition of the value of primary health care nursing and the contribution it makes to the health care system.
• Collaboration and communication between health care professionals is essential in ensuring the best outcomes for patients.
• Primary health care nurses have a unique and important role in promoting health and preventing illness, particularly in the community setting.

Resources & Links:

•  Medicubes website: https://www.medicubes.com.au
• Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) website: https://www.apna.asn.au/
• APNA membership program: https://www.apna.asn.au/membership/
• APNA COVID-19 resources: https://www.apna.asn.au/covid-19/
• APNA online courses and webinars: https://www.apna.asn.au/education/online-learning/
• Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia: https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/
• Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/