Seminars may boost e-health uptake
THE RACGP will this week begin the first of 200 peer-to-peer seminars aimed at increasing GP confidence in the government’s personally controlled e-health record system (PCEHR).
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PCEHR
The following articles have the tag PCEHR
PCEHR $10m injection for advanced care plan
THE federal government is set to invest another $10 million in the personally controlled e-health record (PCEHR) system to allow Australians to inform their families and doctors of their advanced care directives and preferences.
PCEHR software deadline inundates provider with inquiries
PRACTICES anxious to meet today’s personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) deadline have inundated their software providers with inquiries as the RACGP holds workshops around the country explaining the new system.
GPs urged to app-ly their mobile skills
A US e-health expert visiting Australia has urged GPs to become more involved in the development of smartphone apps that could aid themselves and their patients.
AMA rejects physicians’ plea for PIP payments
A CALL by physicians to have the same access to e-health PIP payments and incentives as GPs has been rejected by the AMA.
Frustration mounts on e-health
THE national clinical lead advising on the e-health program has revealed frustration at not being able to access the system that he helped introduce.
Renewed calls for e-PIP extension
MANY GPs could lose their eligibility for the e-health Practice Incentive Program (e-PIP) unless the 1 February deadline for software compliance is extended, says the AMA.
Vigilance crucial to keep patient records safe from cyber-criminals
THE RACGP has urged practices to be vigilant about their computer security following the recent hacking of patient records at a Queensland clinic by Russian cyber-criminals.
PCEHR patient registration rising steadily
REGISTRATIONS for the personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) are steadily rising, with at least one major GP software firm on track for GPs to be able to upload patient health data by December.
PCEHR patient registration rising steadily
REGISTRATIONS for the personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) are steadily rising, with at least one major GP software firm on track for GPs to be able to upload patient health data by December.
2013 Predictions: Dr Steve Hambleton, President, AMA
“NEXT year we really need to see some crystallisation of the PCEHR. The AMA has seen some key elements of it that show it will work. But we need to share [information on] medication properly.
Aussie GPs lag behind on e-record use
AUSTRALIA’S high rate of GPs keeping electronic patient records has declined since 2009 and Australia lags behind other countries in terms of electronic exchange of patient summaries with doctors in other practices, new research shows.
Growing frustration with national e-health program
CLINICIANS advising on the national e-health program say they are dissatisfied with the level of engagement by the National E-health Transition Authority (NEHTA), with MO understanding some are reconsidering their involvement.
Secure messaging switch could save practices $30,000 to offset PCEHR
GENERAL practices could offset any cost increases associated with the personally controlled e-health record (PCEHR) by switching to a secure messaging service instead of paper letters, a leading e-health expert has said.
Plibersek unveils $2.55 million for e-health training
HEALTH Minister Tanya Plibersek has allocated $2.55 million for an RACGP-run program to help GPs operate the PCEHR.
No new funding for GPs ‘astounds’ AMA
THE AMA has said it is “astounded” that the latest draft National Primary Health Care Strategic Framework – developed by both Commonwealth and state governments – contains no new funding for the sector in the immediate future.
US cyber crime sparks concern for PCEHR
WARNINGS from a leading internet fraud investigator that e-health crime is the fastest growing crime in the US and is spreading have sparked renewed criticism of the security of the government’s personally controlled e-health record system (PCEHR).
OAIC criticised for guidelines’ tone
THE AMA has criticised the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s (OAIC) draft PCEHR Enforcement Guidelines for “setting the wrong tone” and failing to highlight the importance of partnership and collaboration to the e-health rollout.
‘Insulted’ GPs demand govt provide e-health info
GPs are feeling “insulted” by the lack of information they are receiving about the personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) and related incentives, despite the health department’s pledge to promote the new system.
New e-health record privacy penalties may be broadened
THE federal government is considering broadening tough new mandatory reporting laws for e-health records, including fines for those who fail to report breaches, beyond the realm of health care, MO can reveal.
DORA software rollout lagging
THE rollout of software giving GPs patient prescription histories in real time, aimed at cutting doctor shopping, is moving at a slow pace with bureaucratic hurdles delaying the process by months.
Govt accused of ignoring e-health warnings
THE federal opposition has accused Labor of putting "political spin before patient safety" after claims it ignored its own e-health agency’s warning of critical faults in the e-health system just days before its launch.
E-health billing green light hailed as a ‘breakthrough’
GPs have finally been given clear permission to bill Medicare for the time they spend organising a patient’s e-health record, with new explanatory notes added to the MBS that doctors’ groups have hailed as a breakthrough.
E-health billing gets green light
GPs have finally been given clear permission to bill Medicare for the time they spend organising a patient’s e-health record, with new explanatory notes added to the MBS that doctors’ groups have hailed as a breakthrough.
Chronic disease e-health record successfully launched
A GOVERNMENT-backed electronic health record specifically designed for patients with chronic disease has been launched today with the promise of keeping patients, doctors and allied health workers in the loop.
‘Let’s make e-health work’?: AMA and RACGP
DOCTORS’ groups are determined to make the best of the government’s e-health records system and have poured cold water on opposition calls for a national audit.
Call for secure messaging as Coalition demands e-health audit
The government has been urged to focus its attention on developing secure messaging systems for GPs and other doctors in the wake of last week’s jittery e-health records system launch.
Punctuation a stumbling block for e-health
GPs have been urged to “keep the faith” with e-health solutions despite a series of glitches that marred last week’s launch of the government’s national e-health records system.
Punctuation a stumbling block for e-health
Medical Observer has found patients with apostrophes or hyphens in their name cannot register for an e-health record, as the government scrambles to get the rest of the patient registration process working.
Profession prepared to endorse PCEHR contract
DOCTORS’ groups and MDOs are ready to endorse the government’s e-health records contract almost three months after MO’s report about the first draft of the contract sparked outrage across the profession.
Last minute talks trigger 'breakthrough' in e-heath endorsement
DOCTORS' groups and MDOs are ready to endorse the government’s e-health records contract almost three months after MO’s report on the first draft of the contract sparked outrage across the profession.
E-health 'bank-strength' secure, but online registration scrapped
THE government has assured consumers the national e-health record system would feature “bank-strength” security, but grudgingly admitted online registration has been scrapped, as its e-health legislation passed the Senate last night.
E-health snubbed over liability concerns
MDOs and GP organisations have refused to endorse the national e-health record system less than a month from the launch date, amid concerns it will lead to a spike in complaints and the cost of medical insurance.
Premiums may skyrocket due to e-health
AS THE government continues to bargain with GP groups over the conditions practices must agree to when using the national e-health record system, experts have warned the legal liabilities attached to the records could push premiums up.
E-health software products to be available to GPs within months
GPs can expect to connect to the national e-health record system (NEHRS) within months, according to experts who say clinical software packages incorporating the system will be widely available by September.
Study finds GP and patient medication info out of sync
THE challenge of keeping electronic medical records up to date has been highlighted in a study of patient-GP concordance.
PCEHR $233m commitment welcomed
EXPERTS have welcomed the government’s continued commitment to the personally controlled e-health records system but questioned the wisdom of forcing GPs to participate by threatening to withdraw practice incentive payments.
Budget 2012: what GP leaders say
Dr Paul Mara, President, RDAA: “I’m not disappointed with this budget because, sadly, I wasn’t expecting much for rural health in the first place. The level to which the bureaucrats have listened to rural GPs is very poor and the government is really struggling to work out what its workforce strategy should be. More rural doctors will be leaving the bush for good.”
Plibersek launches e-health marketing blitz
The government has a launched a charm offensive aimed at creating momentum for its personally controlled e-health record system, with the launch of an “online learning centre” for patients and practitioners.
Patient care sacrificed for ‘artificial surplus’, claims Opposition
THE Opposition has joined general practice’s criticism of the federal budget, saying it risks sacrificing vital patient care for an “artificial surplus”.
Sticks and no carrots as govt pushes GPs on e-health records
THE government will bar GPs who don’t participate in the personally controlled electronic health record system from receiving e-health PIP payments, while stripping money from the existing telehealth incentive program to fund it.
Practice nurses key to PCEHR success
GENERAL practice nurses are pivotal to the successful implementation of the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR) and its role in the Australian health system, experts say.
‘We’ve been clear’: dept rejects PCEHR criticism
THE health department has rejected suggestions it has been anything but “clear and unequivocal” about funding arrangements for GPs compiling PCEHR records, as doctors’ groups continue to question the details.
Exposed: E-health log-on security risk
GPs and other practitioners have been using their unique e-health identifying number as a log-on for the AHPRA website since 2010 without being given any advice on security provisions or even warned the two numbers are the same.
Behind the news - 24 April 2012
The health department has rewritten e-health registration conditions. But is anyone happy?
PCEHR registration to be rewritten
THE health department will rewrite the “unfair” conditions of registration for the personally controlled e-health records (PCEHR) system, which required practices to assume all liability and grant unrestricted departmental access to their premises and records.
Safety warning on "unregulated and unmonitored" e-health
Experts have called for an independent monitor of e-health clinical safety and governance to mitigate the patient harm they say will inevitably result from use of the personally controlled e-health record system (PCEHR).
AMA proposes PCEHR consult items and fees
GPs have been advised to charge each patient up to $210 when preparing a shared health summary for the government’s personally controlled e-health record (PCEHR) system, which will be rolled out from 1 July.
E-health liability to fall to GPs: govt plan
THE health department’s draft conditions of registration for the personally controlled e-health records (PCEHR) system would “deter every medical practice in Australia from participating”, according to AMA secretary general Francis Sullivan.
PCEHR explained in AMA draft guide
THE extent of the change to general practice to be brought by the government’s e-health records system has been outlined, with the release of a 26-page draft guide on use of the new system.
PCEHR set-up payments still in doubt
CONFUSION is lingering among GPs and doctor’s groups in the wake of Health Minister Tanya Plibersek’s announcement yesterday that MBS consultation items would be available for ‘nominated providers’ creating electronic shared health summaries.
Doctors to be paid for PCEHR set-up
GPs will be allowed to bill Medicare for the creation and maintenance of shared e-health summaries according to Health Minister Tanya Plibersek, who confirmed for the first time today "nominated providers" would be paid for their time.
Conflicting recommendations spur hot debate over PCEHR
LEGISLATION enabling the personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) system is set to be hotly debated in the Senate after a parliamentary inquiry splintered into conflicting recommendations from government, Greens and Coalition senators.
Physios launch bid for e-health record funds
GPs have cautiously backed a call from the Australian Physiotherapy Association for physiotherapists to receive government funding in preparation for the introduction of the personally controlled e-health record (PCEHR) system, but have questioned the touted $25 million price tag.
Secure messaging switch could save practices $30,000 to offset PCEHR
GENERAL practices could offset any cost increases associated with the personally controlled e-health record (PCEHR) by switching to a secure messaging service instead of paper letters, a leading e-health expert has said.
Unravelling the e-health myths
With the launch date for the personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) looming, Mark O’Brien asks RACGP e-health spokesperson Dr Mike Civil to unpick some myths and false expectations.
Exploit GPs or patients to pay: PCEHR dilemma
GPs will have to choose between being “exploited” or charging elderly patients more than $200 each to create shared health summaries for the personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) unless the government “foots the bill”, experts say.
MDOs join call for e-health delay
MEDICAL defence organisations have added to the chorus urging the government to delay the launch of the personally controlled e-health record (PCEHR) and warned GPs will have to overhaul their practices to comply with the system’s data security provisions.
GPs to challenge govt on e-health costs
GPs concerned about a major workload increase from managing the federal government's personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) are planning to confront the government with the initiative’s true cost to their business before it goes live.
Doubts e-health record launch will deliver
THE personally controlled e-health record (PCEHR) could begin with a whimper, not a bang, according to industry experts who expect the government to offer little more at launch than an internet portal where consumers can register for an electronic record.
NEHTA a secret, 'toxic workplace'
A PARLIAMENTARY inquiry has heard the government body responsible for the planned e-health record system has become a “toxic workplace” operating under a “cloak of secrecy”, which has shut privacy advocates and consumers out of consultations.
Computer glitch stymies NEHTA trial
THE federal government's e-health trial has suffered an embarrassing setback after the National E-Health Transition Authority (NEHTA) discovered incompatibilities between the software used on its pilot websites and the main planned network.
Frustration as e-health questions go unanswered
VITAL questions about the personally controlled e-health record system (PCEHR) – that the government expects GPs to manage – have gone unanswered by the health department almost three months after they were asked in Senate estimates hearings.
SA GPs to plug into e-health
SOUTH Australian GPs will soon plug into a $408 million electronic record system that will provide real-time patient information, while experts have urged the rest of Australia’s GPs to prepare now for the national e-health rollout in July.
E-records legislation to be investigated
THE Senate will investigate new legislation intended to create Australia’s personally controlled e-health record (PCEHR) system after the two relevant bills were referred to the Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs last week.
E-health records one step closer
THE federal government has taken another step towards setting up its patient-controlled electronic health records (PCEHRs) system, with Health Minister Nicola Roxon introducing the legislation to Parliament yesterday.
Personally controlled e-health records up and ready for testing
MO test-drives the government’s personally controlled e-health record
E-health security may cost government $10m
THE government may be forced to subsidise medical software vendors with contributions of up to $10 million a year in order to provide security for electronic patient records. According to industry experts, there is still no clear value for GPs in the personally controlled e-health records (PCEHR) system. MediSecure CEO Phillip Shepherd said if GPs didn’t see value in the system, they would be reluctant to pay enough for clinical software to allow vendors to provide ongoing security upgrades and protect patient information. “You have to create an environment where stakeholders other than the government see ...
We’re not obsessive, civil libertarians tell Roxon
CIVIL libertarians have hit back at Health Minister Nicola Roxon’s comments labelling privacy and civil liberties groups as obsessive with regard to their fears of the risks of the government’s personally controlled e-health records (PCEHR) system. Civil Liberties Australia (CLA) today renewed calls for Ms Roxon to improve the planned safeguards to ward against data theft and patient records being accessed by those without appropriate permissions. Answering media questions last week regarding the Privacy Foundation’s fears, Ms Roxon urged the foundation to embrace the possibilities of new technology and suggested the electronic ...
Paper files still safer than electronic records: experts
EXPERTS have defended the security of patient information held in hard copy general practice files after Health Minister Nicola Roxon said the government’s personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) system would be more secure than traditional paper records. The minister said last week there were “very few protections” for paper records in general practice, with a spokesperson later telling MO e-health records would be more secure because they would be subject to a range of mechanisms to protect privacy. However, MDA National medicolegal and advisory services manager Dr Sara Bird said the minister’s apparent concerns about record ...
GPs expected to set up e-health: Roxon
GPs are considering charging patients, billing Medicare or demanding yearly registration fees to work on electronic health records, while Health Minister Nicola Roxon has reiterated the government’s expectation that the profession would do the bulk of the work on the new system. POLL : Would you bill patients to set up e-health records? National E-Health Transition Authority (NEHTA) clinical lead Dr Emil Djakic said in the absence of funding for GPs’ time, it could be the patient who footed the bill. “[If the person benefiting from a service is the patient], the patient ...
Data danger
The blueprint on how the national e-health records scheme will be stored and managed is a minefield of medico-legal concerns, writes Leigh Parry.
AMA warning on e-health records
THE Federal Government has been handed a fresh warning against any move to tie doctors’ participation in the personally controlled e-health record (PCEHR) system to MBS rebates. A proposal to restrict MBS rebates to only those services carried out by doctors signed up to the Government’s PCEHR system had been recommended by the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (NHHRC). But in its submission to ongoing consultation on the PCEHR blueprint – set to close this week – the AMA warned against any such move. “The AMA is strongly opposed to any measure that would directly ...
Prescribing changes needed to meet e-health deadlines
AXE paper prescriptions from July next year: that is the call on Government from the head of one of Australia’s leading electronic prescribing service operators. Speaking at the 8th Annual Future of the PBS conference in Sydney last week, MediSecure CEO Phillip Shepherd said if the Government was serious about meeting its 1 July 2012 deadline for the introduction of a personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) it must get e-prescriptions working first. Mr Shepherd told MO decisive action was needed to encourage the adoption of e-prescriptions by making them the only means by which a patient ...