Resources for Practices

Below you will find a list of resouces either developed by or sourced by GPA South Gippsland for use by Practices along with common forms used in the general practice setting.  For more information on any of the forms listed on this page of the website please contact the GPA South Gippsland office on 03 5674 0900. 

New hotline for women with breast implants NEW
Women who have had breast implants and are concerned should ring the Breast Implant Information Line on Ph: 1800 217 257 or contact their surgeon directly for clinical advice.  Click here to read full press release.

eHealth, the Healthcare Identifers Service and PCEHR NEW
Click here for promotional materials and resources.

New Collaboration Wave.  Recruiting now.
eCollaborative - 21st Century Patient Care and Self Management.
Supporting patient care and self management with eHealth.  Read more

Measles alert for GPs and Emergency Departments
The Department of Health have issued an alert in response to several confirmed cases of measles.  Please THINK MEASLES in patients presenting with a febrile rash. 
Read full alert here

Healthcare Identifiers - Preparing your Practice
From 1 July 2012 members of the public will be able to apply for their Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR).  Now is the time for practices to start preparing for the time when patients will arrive requesting their PCEHR.  Read more

AGED CARE
Aged Care Access Initiative – Program Guidelines (July 2008)

75+ Health Check Brochure

75+ Health Check Poster (A3)

75+ Health Check Poster (A4)

Step by Step Guidelines for GPs

For further infomation on Aged Care Medicare Claiming Guidelines please refer to General Information for Standard MBS Items

ALCOHOL & DRUG RESOURCES
Alcohol and Drug Quick Referral Guide Poster for GPs - A poster listing the contact details of local Alcohol and Drug Services.
ASSIST A comprehensive alcohol and drug screening tool used by Mental Health services to assess comorbidity.
Benzodiazepine prescription and withdrawal guidelines
Due to the increasing number of patients presenting with dependence on benzodiazepine medication and the problems this can create for General Practitioners, RACGP have produced guidelines for prescribing benzodiazepines and how to manage withdrawal from these drugs.
Beyond Benzodiazepines  A guide for clinicians to support withdrawal from benzodiazepines written by Reconnexion.
Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service (DACAS) - 1800 812 804
A 24 hour phone line for Clinicians working with substance abusing patients, DACAS can provide advice on medication regimes, difficult clients, services and general support.
Drug Info Cleaninghouse A library of information on alcohol and drug use and comorbidity includig research papers, resources and clinical information overseen by the Australian Drug Foundation (ADF).
GPs role in mental health service provision - the difference between Better Outcomes, Better Access and ATAPS
This one page guide has been developed for community based health services for ease of referral to General Practitioners when clients present with mental health issues.
Guidelines for Alcohol and Drug Workers working with General Practitioners
A guide developed to assist Alcohol and Drug Workers in developing partnerships and good working relationships with General Practitioners, including a list of Practice Managers and contact details for Practices in Bass Coast and South Gippsland.
Guidelines for the treatment of Alcohol Problems
The Department of Health and Ageing have recently released a new set of guidelines for the treatment of alcohol problems and includes information on withdrawal guidelines, complicated presentations, brief interventions and evidence based best practice.         Quick reference guide
Information on comorbidity
As a result of the Victorian Government's acknowlegement of the high incidence of alcohol and drug and mental illness comorbidity, they have funded a project that includes training of service providers, system development and future resourcing around this area. This website has been set up as a networking site for anyone that works with this population. It includs many relevant resources, advice and news on events that may be of interest. http://dualdiagnosis.ning.com
Keeping in Touch Kit - A resource for Alcohol and Drug Education in Schools
A kit designed by the Department of Education and Science and training that includes resources for young people, school staff and the school community.
Management of Patients with psychostimulant use problems - guidelines for general practitioners. 
Psycheck Screening Tool
A screening tool to assess comorbid alcohol and drug and mental health issues. A three part assessment tool that includes assessment of risk, past mental health interventions and a self reporting questionnaire to identify whether preenting symptoms are a result of mental illness or alcohol and drug issues.
Reconnexion - Benzodiazepine and Analgesic withdrawal support service
A clinical support service for individual with benzodiazepine or analgesic addiction, Reconnexion offers advice for clinicians, support for patients and resources on managing anxiety disorders without the use of medication.
Referral pathways from GPs to Alcohol & Drug Mental Health Services
School Resource Card Developed as part of the GPA project, a small resource card for school based staff with contact details for services and tips on managing intoxicated youth and early warning signs for mental illness.
Turning Point
The peak body in Victoria for Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services, Turning Point conducts research and provide many good resources on addiction, harm minimisation, illicit drug information as well as comprehensive drug treatment.

ALLIED HEALTH
Allied Health Workforce Education program
Allied Health Professionals Directory - updated April 2011
Referral form for Allied Health Group Services under Medicare for patients with type 2 diabetes
For further infomation on Allied Health Medicare Claiming Guidelines please refer to pages 31-32 of the Standard MBS Items booklet

CLINICAL RISK MANAGEMENT
CRM Program Brochure

COMORBID DRUG & ALCOHOL
Comorbidity Guidelines: A set of guidelines developed by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre to guide clinicians in their work with this client group.
Workers Resources: Useful resources for working this this client group, including links to screening tools, worksheets etc.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)
QI &CPD program flyer for the 2011 - 2013 triennium

HEALTH CHECKS
45-49 Health Check Brochure

45-49 Health Check Poster (A3)

45-49 Health Check Poster (A4)

75+ Health Check Brochure

75+ Health Check Poster (A3)

75+ Health Check Poster (A4)

Your Guide to Health Assessments

For further infomation on Medicare Claiming Guidelines for Health Checks please refer to the Standard MBS Items booklet

HEALTH REFORM
Gippsland Medicare Local - Countdown to 1 July 2012 newsletter  NEW
Click here to read GPA media release 7/11/11
Click here to read latest Media Release from Minister for Health &  Ageing, The Hon. Nicola Roxon.
Click here to visit National Health Reform website.
Final Framework for development of PHCOs
Guidelines for establishing and initial operation of Medicare Locals and Information for applicants wishing to apply for funding to establish a Medicare Local
Draft Guidelines for Medicare Local after hours responsibilities


HOME MEDICINE REVIEW (HMR)
Home Medicine Review Program Brochure
HMR Medication Management Plan
HMR Patient Information Sheet
HMR - How to make it work

For further infomation on Home Medicine Review Medicare Claiming Guidelines please refer to pages 12-14 of the Standard MBS Items booklet

Useful Websites

Australian General Practice Network

National Centre for Immunisation Research & Surveillance
Victorian Government Immunisation Program website

Intimate Partner Violence - identification and response in general practice   
Mental Health – Not Coping Brochure

Bipolar Booklet
Drought/Mental Health Program - relevant website resources 
Lifeline toolkit - helping someone at risk of suicide

For further infomation on Mental Health Medicare Claiming Guidelines please refer to pages 8-11 of the Standard MBS Items booklet

Telephone help lines:

Suicide Help Line - 1300 651 251.  The counsellors of SuicdideLine provide specialist telephone counselling and information to anyone affected by suicide.  If you are thinking about suicide, worried about someone, or have lost someone to suicide, you can call us.  SuicideLine is a professional telephone counselling service where qualified counsellors are always available to listen and suport you.  We are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help you.  Our specialist counsellors are here to provide you with free, confidential counselling, support and information, when you need it most.
In an emergency - if you are concerned for someone's immediate safety, contact SuicideLine on 1300 651 251 or call 000 for an ambulance.  If you are with someone at risk, it isimportant to stay with them.  If you are speaking on the phone, try to find out where they are and if there is someone with them.

Mental Health Advice Line - 1300 280 737.  The Mental Health Advice Line is a telephone service established to provide Victorians with one source for expert advice, information and referral on any mental health issue.
Parentline VIC - 13 22 89 (cost of a local call)  8am to 12am Monday to Friday, 10am to 10pm weekends.
Parentline is a confidential telephone counselling service providing professional counselling and support for parents and those who care for children.  www.parentline.vic.gov.au
Lifeline - 13 11 14 - national 24 hour telephone counselling service for the cost of a local call.
Men's Line Australia - 1300 78 99 78 www.menslineaus.org.au/cms/index.html  - national 24 hour telephone counselling service for the cost of a local call.
Men's Line - 1800 600 636 9am - 5pm Mon - Fri (answering machine after hours) - professional counselling and support for men affected by domestic and family violence.
Women's Line - 1800 811 811 24 hrs/7 days - professional counselling, support and referral for women and children affected by domestic and family violence.
Salvo Counselling Line - 1300 36 36 22 - 24 hour telephone counselling service.
SANE Australia Helpline - 1800 18 SANE(7263) helpline@sane.org  www.sane.org   - national freecall number, operates Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm EST
beyondblue Information Line - 1300 22 46 36 - for information about depression, anxiety and related substance abuse disorders, available treatments and where to get help, for the cost of a local call.
Alcohol and other drug treatment services - 1800 888 236 (statewide freecall)
Victims of crime counselling and support service - 1300 733 777 (cost of a local call) 24 hrs/7 days - providing a professional, empathetic and supportive service to assist in the recovery of victims of crime.
Gambling Helpline - 1800 222 050 24 hrs/7 days - professional support and counselling for people with gambling problems and their families.
Sexual Assault Helpline - 1800 010 120 (national freecall) 24 hrs/7 days - provides crisis intervention, referral and support for any woman who has ever experienced rape or sexual assault.  NB: this is a women only service, however men who call will receive referral advice.
 

Better Access to Mental Health Initiative (Medicare)

AMA information kit for patients about the effect of cuts to rebates for GP mental health services   NEW
Department of Health & Ageing – Better Access for GPs

Department of Health & Ageing – Better Access for Psychologists

RANZCP - Best Practice Psychiatrist Liaison Model

Better Outcomes (Vouchers) and Better Access (Medicare) - Flowchart

Better Outcomes (Vouchers) vs. Better Access (Medicare) - Explanation

Checklist for the GP Mental Health Care Assessment, Plan, Review & Consultation

K10 Form

New Item Numbers table

Template for Assessment, Plan and Review

FACT SHEET - Changes to rebates for GP Mental Health Treatment Plans NEW

FACT SHEET - Allied Mental Health Services NEW

For further infomation on Mental Health Medicare Claiming Guidelines please refer to pages 8-11 of the Standard MBS Items booklet

Mental Health Assessment Tools

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia Questionnaire

Alcohol Audit

Alcohol Use Disorder

Depression Anxiety Stress Scale DASS - Anxiety only

Depression Anxiety Stress Scale DASS-A

Depression Anxiety Stress Scale DASS-21
Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders Questionnaire

Edinburgh Post Natal Depression

Gambling Questionnaire

Geriatric Depression Scale

Geriatric Depression Scale Questionnaire

Geriatric Depression Questionnaire

K10 Form
Mental State Examination
Mental State Examination Definitions
Mini Mental State

Mini Mental State 2

Mini Mental State 3

OCD

OCD Questionnaire

Panic

Panic Questionnaire

Post Natal Depression

Post Natal Depression Questionnaire

Primary Care PTSD Screen
Psychosis Screener
Social Phobia

Social Phobia Questionnaire

Suicidality

Suicidality Questionnaire
Suicide Risk Assessment Checklist
Trauma Screening Questionnaire

PEN CLINICAL AUDIT TOOL
Clinical Audit User Guide Version 2-1-2

REFUGEE HEALTH
Refugee Checklist for General Practice

Refugee Health Assessment – General Information

Refugee MBS Item Numbers

Refugee Health Assessment Form

Victorian Interpreter Card

For further infomation on Refugee Health Medicare Claiming Guidelines please refer to pages 19 of the Standard MBS Items booklet

Tip Sheet – Farmers as Patients

South Gippsland and Bass Coast Rural Support Services Directory

Mental Health Local Services Directory   

2008 GP Survey Data Evaluation

Hope, Despair and Transformation: Climate Change and the Promotion of Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mens Line Australia – Getting Information and Help

Mens Line Australia – Men and Mental Wellbeing

Andrology Australia – Psychosocial Factsheet

Better Health Channel – Rural Issues, Coping with Stress

Better Health Channel – Rural Issues, Stress Management

Drought and it’s effect on Mental Health – How GPs can help

Suicide Prevention Australia – Position Statement, Responding to Suicide in Rural Australia

Life Events Scale

Drought Social Panel Report
Coping and Resilience in Farming Families Effected by Drought

There is reason to be concerned about women on the land
Drought/Mental Health Program - relevant website resources     
GPA self care strategies work book  

South Gippsland Drought Mental Health Plan 2009    

For further infomation on Mental Health Medicare Claiming Guidelines please refer to pages 8-11 of the Standard MBS Items booklet

SCREENING
Breastscreen Victoria new GP resource

 Cystic fibrosis carrier screening program 

 
OTHER RESOURCES

General Information for Standard MBS Items

RA2 Classification overview
Remote Area 2 Detail
Remoteness Vic Maps

Notifiable Conditions changes

From 1 January 2010 the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 and the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009 came into effect, replacing the Health Act 1958 and the Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 2001. The changes are outlined here. 

Sandflies Brochure
Good Medical Practice: Code of Conduct for doctors in Australia   

H1N1 Influenza 2009 (Human Swine Flu)

As at 1st December 2010, Australia is in pandemic phase ALERT
Click here for latest information on Health Emergency Website.

MyGeneralPractice - a growing resource for GPs

A new, improved version of MyGeneralPractice (MyGP) was launched on 1 October. The old MyGP and MyPracticeTeam (MyPT) portals have been merged to create a new website that will serve as an extensive and growing resource centre for general practice. Users will still be able to access patient handouts, calculators and dermatology resources, popular evidence based clinical resources and links to the RACGP's online resources. Complementing these features is a new range of high quality information, tools and resources. Most importantly, your experience using the new MyGP will be easier, faster and more relevant. Visit http://www.mygeneralpractice.org.au/