What's New?

• New Medicare Item Numbers providing a higher rebate for level C and D consultations for FPS were introduced on 1 November 2002.
• To register with the HIC to access the new MBS items for FPS, GPs need to complete Level 1 and Level 2 mental health skills training and be practicing from a PIP or accredited practice.
• GPs registered for Level 1 or Level 1 and Level 2 are required to obtain 30 QA &CPD points for mental health activities across each triennium that include, reinforce and /or enhance the 3 Step mental health Process.

Key Achievements

ADGP has been funded by the Department of Health and Ageing to develop the Familiarisation Training program.  Key achievements include:

• Development of a national, multi-media  Familiarisation Training resource and distribution of 4900 copies to GPs, Divisions and Practice Staff across Australia.
• Delivery of 11 Train-the-Trainer workshops to Divisions of General Practice across State and Territory in partnership with the State Based Organisations.
• Evaluation data indicating the Familiarisation Training program is a useful and effective model for disseminating information to GPs and Divisions on the initiative.
• More than 3700 GPs have completed the Familiarisation Training through their Divisions of General Practice since July 2002.
• 117 out of 121 Divisions have provided Familiarisaton Training.
• 73 out of 121 Divisions have provided a mental health skills training program approved by the Standards Collaboration

New Resources

Due to high demand and the release of new information on the Better outcome in mental health care initiative, further Familiarisation Training resources are being distributed to Divisions of General Practice in the week of 16-20 December 2002.

Resources include copies of the:

• E-Learning CD;
• GP and Practice Manual; and
• Familiarisation Training Supplement.

For more information contact the Mental Health D Liason Officer in you SBO or the Familiarisaton Training Officer at ADGP on 02 6251 2355 or adgpreception@adgp.com.au