In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Sean Stevens speaks with Dr Ramya Raman, RACGP Vice-President, GP and practice owner, and Jessica White, Chief Technology Officer at Best Practice Software, about recent government changes to the assignment of benefits process and what it means for general practice.

Dr Ramya Raman discusses how the RACGP successfully advocated for an extension of the verbal consent period for assignment of benefit until 30 June 2027, following concerns raised by GPs around the country. This extension allows practices more time to adapt to new workflows and technology requirements without disrupting patient care. The enduring assignment process, especially significant for aged care and frequent care patients, is also highlighted as a practical improvement.

Jessica White provides practical advice for managing the transition, recommending that practices begin preparations early rather than waiting until the new deadline. They talked about engaging with software vendors, mapping and updating current workflows, refining billing processes, and prioritising staff and patient education.

Listeners are encouraged to stay informed through reliable sources and to use the transition period to prepare thoughtfully for upcoming changes.

Links & Resources:

• RACGP: https://www.racgp.org.au/advocacy/advocacy-resources/assignment-of-benefit-and-signature-requirements
• Department of Health: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/assignment-of-medicare-benefits-for-bulk-billing-frequently-asked-questions?language=en
• Medical Director: https://www.telstrahealth.com/updates-to-telstra-health-products-to-meet-medicare-assignment-of-benefit-changes/
• Zedmed: https://help.zedmed.com.au/help/create-an-eclipse-invoice

The Good GP Podcast 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

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

In this episode of the Good GP, Dr Ramya Raman speaks with Dr Fergus McCabe, specialist GP and medical governor of Western Australia’s AIDS Council, about the current rise of mpox (monkeypox) cases in Western Australia and across Australia.

Dr McCabe talks about the epidemiology and transmission of mpox, including shifting patterns from predominantly MSM (men who have sex with men) communities to increasing numbers among heterosexual men and women. Discussing the classic and current presentations of mpox and stresses the importance of clinical suspicion, even when presentations are atypical, such as isolated proctitis.

Key topics addressed include:

• Recognising mpox: clinical features, variable presentations, and risk factors based on sexual history and practices.
• Practical advice for GPs: how to take a sexual health history, safe specimen collection, appropriate testing, infection control, and patient isolation steps.
• Guidance on vaccination: eligibility, timing, vaccine access, and recommendations for both patients at risk and healthcare workers.
• Key reminders for GPs: stay vigilant, routinely ask non-judgmental sexual health questions, and continue mpox testing regardless of vaccination status.

The Good GP Podcast 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

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Maria Li is joined by Dr Michael Bonning, GP, former Navy doctor, immediate past AMA NSW President, and current Chair of Public Health at the Federal AMA, to discuss the increasingly relevant topic of GPs providing medical commentary in the media.

Dr Bonning explains why engagement with the media is important for general practitioners, addressing the broadening definition of ‘media’ in modern practice. He notes that media exposure is not limited to traditional outlets such as television or newspapers but now commonly includes social media posts, commentary on closed professional groups, podcasts, and even op-eds. Dr Bonning emphasises that any time a GP’s comments reach more than one person, they are, in effect, representing the general practice profession.

The episode covers:

• Why GPs should consider communicating with the media and how this helps to advocate for general practice and public health.
• The importance of delivering clear, accurate, and appropriate messages while understanding and respecting the boundaries of one’s expertise.
• A structured approach to preparing for public commentary: before, during, and after the engagement, including practical advice on signposting key points, managing uncertainty, and finishing interviews effectively.
• Tips for handling challenging or unexpected questions from journalists and the importance of not being forced into accepting the premise of a question.
• The value of situational awareness, both in-person (such as at press conferences) and when using equipment like microphones.
• Dr Bonning also shares practical examples to illustrate his techniques and highlights how these skills can benefit both media engagements and everyday clinical communication.

Links & Resources:

• https://theforge.defence.gov.au/article/six-golden-rules-media-interviews
• https://preventioncentre.org.au/resources/engaging-with-the-media/
• https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/attachments/2018-UNSW-Media-Training-Guide.pdf
• https://www.abc.net.au/news/media-interview-guide

The Good GP Podcast 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

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!