New MBS Item for Diagnosis of Heart Failure

The introduction of bulk-billed b-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) for use in the screening of heart failure by general practitioners is a welcome addition to the Medicare Benefit schedule from November 2024.

Heart failure is a significant clinical problem on a worldwide basis and the early diagnosis can help patients and doctors manage the condition more effectively.  Giving access to GPs for BNP testing is an evidence based and key step in the care pathway. In 2013 an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality sponsored comparative effectiveness review demonstrated that there is a high quality of evidence to support the use of BNP or NT-proBNP as a rule-out test in chronic and acute heart failure both in the emergency room and in the community.

The role of BNP/NT-proBNP in the diagnosis of heart failure

The National Heart Foundation of Australia and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, guidelines published in 2018 for the prevention, detection and management of Heart Failure made a Strong Recommendation for the use of BNP or NT-proBNP for diagnosis when the diagnosis is uncertain. This guideline recommended a rule-out for heart failure with NT-proBNP of less 300 ng/L. This recommendation is based on primary papers rather than the published systematic review evidence. A more recent guideline published by the European Society of Cardiology has a few different cut-points that are relevant to ruling out the diagnosis of heart failure. In chronic heart failure a NT-proBNP of < 125 ng/L or BNP < 35 ng/L can rule out chronic heart failure in all ages. This is based on people with symptoms suggestive of heart failure or symptoms that could include heart failure as a possible differential diagnosis. Above these levels it is recommended that echocardiography is performed.  For people who present with symptoms suggestive of acute heart failure the cut-point for NT-proBNP is < 300 ng/L or BNP < 100 ng/L.

The cut-points presented are based on a rule-out of heart failure either chronic or acute. Due to the number of other common conditions (e.g. advanced age, renal dysfunction, COPD, anaemia etc.) that can cause an increase in BNP/NT-proBNP the rule-in data is less robust but is still an effective biomarker, particularly as the results get into the higher ranges (> 900 ng/L for NT-proBNP). In the systematic reviews conducted for the 2014 report the GRADE rating was high (4 hashed circles)  for rule-out and moderate (three hashed, one open  ) for rule-in. Thus, the Medicare benefit talks about using BNP/NT-proBNP as a screening test to help identify who would benefit from echocardiogram, as echocardiogram remains the diagnostic test of choice.

In the context of the new benefit, for use in the community, the exclusion of heart failure with NT-proBNP of < 125 ng/L or BNP < 35 ng/L can rule out heart failure in all ages. People with values above these levels will benefit from echocardiography to make the diagnosis.

The Medicare benefit does not distinguish between BNP/NT-proBNP as the evidence for use is equivalent for both. However, there is an important caveat for the choice of BNP in the community setting. NT-proBNP is more stable (days) than BNP (hours) in collected serum samples. BNP requires special handling by the laboratory to maintain stability, if it is not analysed in reasonably quick timeframe. This factor has been taken into consideration in the UK based NICE recommendations and the Canada based Ontario Health Technology assessment.  Thus, most GPs will become familiar with NT-proBNP where hospital-based Doctors may see both BNP and NT-proBNP results.

BNP/NT-proBNP items on the Medicare Benefits Schedule

BNP/NT-proBNP has been available with restricted criteria for certain conditions. These benefits remain in place.  Items 66585 refers to testing in patients with scleroderma and risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension, 66586 for people with diagnosed pulmonary artery hypertension to monitor disease progression, and 66830 refers to the use in people presenting with dyspnoea at hospital emergency departments. The new item, 66829, refers to the use in suspected heart failure in the community setting, to aid in the clinical decision for the necessity of an echocardiogram.

The new benefit is restricted to once per year and as an assistance in identifying people with possible heart failure. For all MBS items it is important to provide the appropriate clinical detail in the clinical note on the requestion, so that the billing item can be correctly identified.

BNP/NT-proBNP items NOT on the Medicare Benefits Schedule

There are other clinical areas where the use NT-proBNP or BNP can be helpful in establishing prognosis and supporting management of heart failure. These use cases are not covered by the MBS and in these instances, patients will need to pay for the test.

References:

Balion C, Don-Wauchope A, Hill S, Santaguida PL, Booth R, Brown JA, et al. Use of Natriuretic Peptide Measurement in the Management of Heart Failure. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2013.

Booth RA, Hill SA, Don-Wauchope A, Santaguida PL, Oremus M, McKelvie R, et al. Performance of BNP and NT-proBNP for diagnosis of heart failure in primary care patients: a systematic review. Heart failure reviews. 2014;19:439–51.

Hill SA, Booth RA, Santaguida PL, Don-Wauchope A, Brown JA, Oremus M, et al. Use of BNP and NT-proBNP for the diagnosis of heart failure in the emergency department: a systematic review of the evidence. Heart failure reviews. 2014;19:421–38.

Atherton JJ, Sindone A, Pasquale CGD, Driscoll A, MacDonald PS, et al. National Heart Foundation of Australia and Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand: Guidelines for the Prevention, Detection, and Management of Heart Failure in Australia 2018. Heart, Lung Circ. 2018;27:1123–208.

McDonagh TA, Metra M, Adamo M, Gardner RS, Baumbach A, et al. 2021 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail. 2022;24:4–131.

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng106

(Quality) OH. Use of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) and N-Terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) as Diagnostic Tests in Adults With Suspected Heart Failure: A Health Technology Assessment. Ont Heal Technol Assess Ser. 2021;21:1–125.

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How’s Your Billing, Financial Management & Reporting Going?

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With government and regulatory requirements becoming ever more stringent, there is an imperative for meticulous financial communication to prevent costly errors and ensure compliance. By empowering your staff to navigate financial intricacies with confidence and precision, you can ultimately translate that into improved patient care through streamlined administrative functions. It’s becoming critical to make that investment into your practice efficiencies and Best Practice needs to do our part by making sure we have fit for use courses to keep you in the know.

Are you are a Practice Manager who would like to understand more about the various reports available to you in Bp Premier, or a receptionist who has mastered the basics of the appointment book and looking for the next challenge? Even an accountant or bookkeeper who may need to know how to manage practice accounts without needing to use the appointment book would benefit, so join us as we show you how to create all different types of accounts (e.g. bulk billing, private billing, DVA, Workcover, third parties); take you through the full Online Claiming workflow from start to finish; and focus on the various reports available to audit your practice and pay your doctors correctly. Access the experts, have your questions answered.  

Accurate billing produces several key outcomes, including:

  • Reduces Medicare rejections
  • Seeks to enhance patient satisfaction through clear financial communication
  • Supports financial planning by providing insights into revenue streams and expenses
  • Facilitates cost control and informed decision-making
  • Seeks to minimizes human errors
  • Improves integration with other systems
  • Enables effective training and troubleshooting, thus ensuring the smooth and compliant operation of the practice

Please join us for our next session on 19th November 9:00am – 12:00pm (AEST). Click below for more information and to register. 

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Doctor or da Vinci? The Art of Anatomical Models

Many doctors possess a creative touch, but few would claim to be Leonardo da Vinci when it comes to anatomical illustrations that enhance patient understanding during consultations. While it’s clear that quality visuals support better patient comprehension, sourcing consistent and accurate illustrations can be a challenge, especially with time constraints and limited resources.

Doctors’ practices often face roadblocks such as inconsistent educational materials, time limitations for explaining complex conditions, and the need for patients to grasp intricate medical concepts quickly. These challenges can hinder effective communication, leaving patients confused or unsure about their diagnosis and treatment options.

Online interactive anatomy provides a powerful solution to these challenges by offering an interactive 3D anatomical model that transforms patient education. Instead of relying on static, one-dimensional images, doctors can now present the human body in a way that is immersive and dynamic. Patients can explore detailed anatomy through interactive features, including zooming in, rotating, and even dissecting parts of the model to see how various organs, muscles, and bones function together.

For example, in a practice dealing with orthopaedic injuries, a doctor can show a 3D model of a knee joint to a patient suffering from a ligament tear. By rotating the model and isolating specific components, the doctor can explain the injury and proposed surgery with far greater clarity than a traditional diagram could provide. This interactivity not only enriches patient engagement but also helps them feel more confident in the treatment process, leading to better compliance and outcomes.

Real-world benefits like these extend beyond individual consultations. In busy practices where time is of the essence, 3D anatomy streamlines the explanation process, reducing the time doctors need to spend on repetitive explanations. This efficiency frees up valuable time, enabling doctors to see more patients without sacrificing the quality of care.

Moreover, practices can use the models to build a stronger rapport with patients, offering a more personalised and informed experience. The ability to share annotated models directly with patients ensures they leave the consultation with a clear understanding of their condition, leading to higher satisfaction and trust.

In collaboration with 3D Anatomica, and with the support of Australian Doctor Group, Best Practice is making 3DGlassman available to Australian doctors, providing an ever-expanding library of male and female anatomical models. By making these tools freely available, practices are empowered to enhance communication and patient understanding effortlessly. This not only elevates the standard of care but also helps build long-term patient relationships based on trust and clarity.

In today’s fast-paced medical environment, where patient education is critical, 3DGlassman provides an innovative solution that seamlessly integrates into daily operations, elevating the quality of healthcare communication.

Available in your Best Practice toolbar, the 3DA button allows you to conveniently register for free using the access code: BEST24

This opportunity is for a limited time only.

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The Importance of Adhering to WCAG for General Practices and Clinics

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Is your website accessible to everyone, including individuals living with disabilities?

Imagine a patient trying to book an appointment online, only to find that the website’s design prevents them from doing so due to their visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor impairment. This creates a barrier for them and means your practice loses a potential patient.

Do you want to get on the right side? Check your website against Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, or WCAG. Developed by The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), WCAG are a globally accepted set of guidelines developed to provide a single shared standard for web content accessibility that meets the needs of individuals, organisations, and governments.

If you operate in Australia, the Federal Disability Discrimination Act 1992 protects people from discrimination based on disability. In particular, Section 24 explicitly prohibits providers of goods, services, and facilities from discriminating against users based on their disability. So, if your clinic’s website is not accessible, your clinic may be failing to provide its services to a person with a disability. If a person with a disability cannot access the service through the website just like other people without disabilities can, this could conceivably constitute discrimination. There have been a few big cases in Australia, like Coles and ABC, that were raised on the basis of discrimination online.

Besides not meeting the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 requirements, meeting web accessibility standards makes good business sense for private businesses. People with disabilities represent a significant portion of the population. One in seven people under 64 years and half of the population above 64 have a disability (https://australiandisabilitynetwork.org.au/resources/disability-statistics/).

By ensuring your website is accessible, you open your services to a wider audience. This inclusivity can lead to increased patient satisfaction, loyalty, and referrals. Additionally, search engines factor in user experience when assessing rankings, meaning that accessible websites often perform better in search engine rankings.

Increasing your site’s accessibility will enhance your online presence and potentially attract more patients. Below is a list of no-cost steps you can take to run your website accessibility validation:

  • Use Online Accessibility Tools:
    • WAVE is a website where you enter a URL, and it will analyse the page for accessibility issues.
    • Axe Accessibility Checker is a Chrome and Firefox browser extension that allows you to run accessibility tests directly on your website.
  • Keyboard Navigation Test: Manually test your website by navigating using only the keyboard. Ensure all interactive elements (links, buttons, forms) are accessible using the Tab key and can be activated with the Enter key.
  • Screen Reader Testing: Use a screen reader (like NVDA or VoiceOver) to navigate your website. This will help you identify issues with content structure and labelling.
  • Colour Contrast Checker: Use a colour contrast checker tool (like the WebAIM Contrast Checker) to ensure your text has sufficient contrast against its background.

Authored by:

Valentina Chekanenko
Content Developer at Best Practice Software

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Primary Aldosteronism: Not As Rare As Once Thought

A Chance to Help People Living with Hypertension

For people living with hypertension, many endure high blood pressure for years, sometimes decades, before finding the right treatment. The reason? An underlying hormonal driver that is often overlooked because of its perceived status as ‘rare’: Primary Aldosteronism.

In most cases of hypertension, ‘essential hypertension’ is assumed and standard blood pressure lowering medications are prescribed, with more and more medications added when the blood pressure remains stubbornly high. However, for those patients unknowingly suffering from primary aldosteronism (also known as Conn syndrome), only when we specifically look for this condition can it be found. Once diagnosed, it can be treated with the appropriate medication to block the effects of aldosterone excess, and, in some cases, even cured with adrenal surgery.

Associate Professor Jun Yang, an endocrinologist specialising in primary aldosteronism at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Monash University, has experienced the effects of delayed primary aldosteronism diagnosis in her own family. Dr Yang’s own father struggled with uncontrolled hypertension for decades before he was screened and found to have this form of hormonal hypertension. Since then, his blood pressure has returned to normal using just one targeted medication, thanks to a diagnosis of primary aldosteronism.

Dr Yang’s father is certainly not the only one to experience a delay in receiving his diagnosis of primary aldosteronism. In 2018 the Australian Journal of General Practice reported it was common for patients to have had hypertension for over 10 years before screening occurred, meaning many had aldosterone-mediated end-organ damage by the time they were finally diagnosed. However, once the diagnosis is made and targeted treatment commenced, clinical improvement with lower blood pressure and reduced number of antihypertensive medications could be observed in all patients. Recent research has shown that around 1 in 7 patients with high blood pressure may actually have primary aldosteronism, when actively screened. A simple blood test to measure aldosterone and renin concentration which is then calculated as the aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR), can screen for primary aldosteronism, but is severely underutilised.

Primary aldosteronism is fundamentally different from ‘essential hypertension’ as it is driven by an excess of the hormone aldosterone. Aldosterone is an important hormone which regulates salt balance and blood pressure. Too much aldosterone can cause salt retention and hypertension that is difficult to control with regular antihypertensive medications. The excess aldosterone can be produced by an adenoma on the adrenal gland. In this case, surgery to remove the affected gland can lead to a cure of the disease. More commonly, both adrenal glands are affected. In that case, a tablet that specifically blocks aldosterone activity can effectively manage the condition.

Untreated primary aldosteronism carries with it a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events, such as stroke, myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation when compared to essential hypertension. This is due to the aldosterone excess which causes cardiovascular tissue inflammation and fibrosis, in addition to the damage caused by elevated blood pressure per se. So while it has long been considered rare, there are significant risks associated with missing a diagnosis of primary aldosteronism. Sadly, it has fallen prey to a vicious cycle: a condition which is considered rare is not sought; a condition not sought is not found; and a condition not found is considered rare.

A prospective study carried out in general practices in Victoria between 2017-2020 found that 14% of patients with newly diagnosed hypertension had primary aldosteronism. All these patients were screened by their GPs rather than specialists. The study indicated that GPs were able to play an important role in the early detection of primary aldosteronism in patients with early stages of hypertension, thereby preventing many from experiencing the end-organ damage that untreated aldosterone excess can cause. As effective as this study was in finding patients with primary aldosteronism, there was a lot of variability in which doctors screened their patients and which didn’t. Some doctors ordered the screening blood test regularly while others did not.

How Can We Improve Screening of Primary Aldosteronism in a Systematic Way?

The CONSEP trial was developed to increase the screening and diagnosis of primary aldosteronism in the general practice setting. This trial is looking at whether Education and Guidance Based Requesting software (GBR) for General Practitioners can increase Primary Aldosterone (PA) screening and diagnosis among patients with high blood pressure. By doing a high quality randomised controlled trial that is fully integrated with the GP clinic, we hope the results will show us just how effective our intervention may be for improving the detection of a common and potentially curable cause of hypertension.

The trial is currently recruiting general in Melbourne, Adelaide and Hobart. To participate in the trial or learn more, fill out the CONSEP contact form and visit the CONSEP website, or directly reach out to us via consep@monash.edu.

Consent to be Contacted Formhttps://redcap.link/ywdjuab9
CONSEP Website – https://www.hudson.org.au/research-program/consep/
CONSEP Email – consep@monash.edu

CONSEP Article Image - Primary Aldosteronism

Authored by:
Linghan Jia at Monash University

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Enhancing Your Practice with AI: Lyrebird Scribe

Are you looking for a partner that truly listens and enhances your practice? Meet Lyrebird Scribe, an advanced AI scribe designed to capture and transcribe patient consultations in real-time. This innovative tool listens in the background at your command and generates comprehensive clinical notes in seconds, significantly reducing the administrative burden on general practitioners and allowing more time for exceptional patient care. Lyrebird Scribe stands out by learning from the clinician’s style and voice, ensuring that the generated notes are both accurate and personalised. By taking care of the time-consuming task of documentation, Lyrebird Scribe allows you to focus on what you do best—caring for your patients.

With over 10,000 real-world consultations across general practice and various specialties, Lyrebird Scribe has proven its value. On average, clinicians save 2-3 hours daily on documentation, and the system boasts a 98% accuracy rate in note generation, eliminating the need for extensive review.

Lyrebird Scribe integrates seamlessly with Bp Premier versions Orchid SP2 and above, recording directly from and to the patient record. The AI Scribe generates clinical notes in a number of standard formats, which are written back into Bp Premier with a single touch at the end of the consultation, with indication of transcription.

Key features of Lyrebird Scribe include:

  • Automatic generation of patient notes, filtering out irrelevant information.
  • Email generated patient letters directly, keeping patients informed.
  • Easy generation of other clinical documents and referrals from patient notes, with one click copy into the Bp Premier word processor.
  • High customisation to match your documentation style.
  • Secure storage of patient consent options for future visits.
  • AES-256-bit encryption and Australian-based servers for maximum security and privacy.

Best Practice Software customers can enjoy a 30-day trial to experience the benefits of Lyrebird Scribe.

If you want to learn more on how AI technologies can assist you in your practice, as well as see a live demonstration of Lyrebird Scribe, click here to join us for the following webinar.

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Authored by:
Jay Rose – Lead Content Developer at Best Practice Software

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A Sprint in the Life of a Bp Premier Developer

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Today’s Staff Spotlight piece comes from our Bp Premier Delivery Stream Leader, Eli. As a delivery lead, Eli is responsible for keeping multiple software development projects on track and ensuring they are completed on time and according to specifications.

Our story begins last month, with the introduction of our latest new feature in Bp Premier, aimed to improve how our users handle transactions for a more efficient payment processing experience. Behind the scenes, our developers are gearing up to tackle the new project.

In true software development spirit, no sprint is complete without its share of hurdles. Early beta testers report intermittent freezing in a payment integration, critical to the user experience and functionality of the software. An urgent fix was required. The team collaborated with Software Support, collating all the information and feedback they had received from our beta tester group and the wider customer base. Then, our Commercial Team to investigate and identify exactly where the bug was between our program and the third-party integrator software. Once the root cause was determined, a solution could be developed.

Amidst the chaos of racing to find the bug fix, the deadline to release the next monthly Data Update (DU) drew closer and closer. The unplanned infrastructure issues had thrown a wrench in our ability to build and test the new DU, forcing us to adapt. This agile response to changing priorities is an essential skill for a scrum team.

This sprint was not without its share of unexpected obstacles. Unplanned infrastructure issues hindered our ability to build and test the DU, forcing us to adapt our focus and pivot. This agile response to changing priorities was a testament to our team’s resilience and adaptability.

As the head of this development team, I must regularly relay information to other managers, executives, and various teams and streams across the company to ensure we are all working towards the same goal. This sprint wasn’t without its fair share of challenges and triumphs, but my team prevailed, demonstrating the true spirit of collaboration and innovation. Demonstrating the power of agile software development. We are proud to have overcome the obstacles and delivered a solution.

Definitions

Scrum Team:
A scrum team is a small and nimble team dedicated to delivering committed product increments. A scrum team’s size is typically small, at around 10 people, but it’s large enough to complete a substantial amount of work within a sprint.

Sprint:
A sprint is a short, time-boxed period when a scrum team works to complete a set amount of work. Sprints are at the very heart of scrum methodology, and getting sprints right will help your scrum team ship better software with fewer headaches.

Beta Tester:
Beta testers are “real” users and conduct their testing in a production environment running on the same hardware, networks, etc., as the final release. This also means it’s the first chance for full security and reliability testing because those tests can’t be conducted in a lab or stage environment.

Authored by:

 

Eli Brighton
Delivery Stream Manager at Best Practice Software

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How To Save Time With Bulk Verifications In Bp Premier

Leverage Bp Premier’s Bulk Verifications to reduce administrative burden and cut down on Medicare rejections due to incorrect Medicare Card details.

Best Practice integrates directly with Medicare for several functions, one of which is verifying your patients’ card details. You can individually verify your patients, but why perform individual checks when you can verify Medicare details in bulk? This feature is easy to use, will check all your patients for the day and could save you a lot of time.

So, how do I use it? From the appointment book screen, select Utilities > Bulk patient verification, and you will see this screen.

Bp Premier Screenshot

On this screen, you will select the parameters for the patient appointments you are searching for.

For example, you might like to run this utility at the start of the day for all of today’s appointments. In that case, you would click Select All to tick all your providers and make sure today’s date is selected in the calendar picker. Once you have chosen your parameters, click OK.

Bp Premier Screenshot

The next screen you see will give you a list of patients with appointments, and you can click Verify. Bp Premier will then connect to Medicare Web Services, check the Medicare card details for each patient in the list, and return a response.

If the patient’s card details are correct, no action is required. If their card details are incorrect, you can right-click on a patient in the list and click view details to open their patient demographics and record an appointment note. Appointment notes will pop up when arriving the patient, so we can get their Medicare card from them and update their details when they arrive at the practice instead of having to chase them. Sometimes, you will see a response from Medicare that looks like this.

Bp Premier Screenshot

If you do see this, it means that the patient’s details were not an exact match, but Medicare was able to match the details we have with the correct patient and has returned this updated card number to us. This might happen in cases where a Medicare card has expired, and just the last digit has changed. This is a super convenient feature; we can tick the box next to Medicare No and click update, which will open the patient demographics and automatically update the Medicare card for us! We can then click save in the patient demographics window, which will save the details and let us know if other patients in our database are on the old Medicare card we just updated. 

Bp Premier Screenshot

We will see this screen if other patients are on the same outdated Medicare card. From this screen, we can review the patients and click update to update an entire family on the new Medicare card in one click. This excellent time-saving feature ensures your patients have the correct details recorded.

Ultimately if you are bulk billing, you will get rejections from Medicare at some point. However, utilising the bulk patient verification utility will ensure that you have accurate data recorded and greatly reduce the number of rejections you receive from Medicare. This will save you time and ensure you receive rebates from Medicare as soon as possible.

Authored by:

Xanthe Kapczynski
Training and Deployment Specialist at Best Practice Software

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Mastering Chronic Disease Management: A Look At Practice Benchmarks And How To Grow

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Delving into the realm of Chronic Disease Management (CDM), the past two years have seen remarkable progress in practices, with a focus on mastering the intricacies of this vital aspect of healthcare provision. Through the lens of Cubiko’s general practice benchmarking, we uncover the evolution of strategies and outcomes in managing chronic conditions. From utilising templates within Best Practice Premier to exploring innovative tools like the Actions feature for enhanced patient care, this exploration aims to equip Practice Managers with insights and benchmarks to elevate their CDM practices to new heights.

Introduction to Chronic Disease Management

Importance of Effective Chronic Disease Management

Effective Chronic Disease Management (CDM) is crucial for enhancing the quality of life for patients, reducing the progression of diseases, and optimising the use of healthcare resources. With a growing number of individuals living with chronic conditions, the burden on the healthcare system intensifies. Implementing robust CDM practices can lead to improved health outcomes by ensuring regular monitoring and tailored care plans. Moreover, CDM items such as the 721, 723, 732 are well funded by the government and can have a positive impact on a General Practitioner’s billings. With the right management protocols in place, practices can also ensure compliance with healthcare standards and improve patient satisfaction. Ultimately, effective CDM is not just about managing symptoms, but also about empowering patients to take an active role in their health.

Evolution of Chronic Disease Management

Chronic Disease Management (CDM) has evolved significantly, shifting from reactive to proactive and patient-centered care. Traditionally, the focus was on managing acute flare-ups rather than preventing them. However, the past years have seen a transition towards a more holistic approach that includes prevention, early detection, and comprehensive management. The integration of technology into healthcare has been a game-changer, with data analytics playing pivotal roles in identifying patients who may be eligible for services. Furthermore, there has been a greater emphasis on multidisciplinary teams collaborating to provide care, which has been shown to improve outcomes for chronic disease patients. Patient education and self-management are now recognised as essential components of CDM, empowering individuals to take control of their health and reducing long-term healthcare costs.

Chronic Disease Management: A Two-Year Benchmark Review

Insights From The Last Two Years

Over the last two years, Chronic Disease Management (CDM) has seen considerable growth and innovation. Data from Cubiko’s Touchstone Report reveals an uptick in the adoption of GP management plans, indicating a broader acceptance of structured CDM strategies. Practices are leveraging technology like never before, utilising tools for better patient identification and follow-up. These insights showcase not only the commitment of healthcare providers to elevate CDM but also the tangible benefits such advancements bring to patient care and practice efficiency.

Recent data from Cubiko’s Touchstone report indicates a modest rise in both CDM-related billings and health assessments over the last two years, signalling a brighter spotlight on structured management strategies. Specifically, CDM’s share of billing averaged 10.59% in 2023, with health assessments contributing 2.63%. However, it’s important to note a downward trend in nurse-led services’ billing share, which decreased to 0.42% in 2023 from the previous year’s 0.56%.

Understanding Cubiko's General Practice Benchmarking

Cubiko’s general practice benchmarking offers valuable insights by aggregating data across various practices to identify trends and best practices in Chronic Disease Management (CDM). This benchmarking serves as a powerful tool for Practice Managers, providing a clear picture of how their practice compares to others in terms of CDM performance. It includes key metrics such as the number of care plans initiated, reviews conducted, and patient outcomes. By analysing this data, practices can pinpoint areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. Benchmarks also facilitate goal setting and progress tracking over time. Understanding these benchmarks is critical for practices aiming to enhance their CDM strategies, as it provides a data-driven foundation for making informed decisions and implementing targeted interventions that can lead to better patient health and more efficient practice operations.

Utilising Templates for CDM Plans

Benefits Of Using Templates In The Word Processor

Using templates in the word processor for Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans can significantly streamline the process for healthcare providers. These templates allow for a standardised approach to creating management plans, ensuring that all necessary information is consistently captured and nothing is overlooked. They also save time for general practitioners and practice managers by reducing the need to start from scratch for each patient plan. Templates can be customised to include practice-specific goals, interventions, and follow-up schedules, which helps maintain a high standard of care. This consistency in documentation not only improves the quality of patient care but also aids in compliance with healthcare regulations. Furthermore, templates facilitate easier sharing of information within a multidisciplinary team, leading to better-coordinated care and improved patient outcomes.

How To Effectively Use Bp For CDM Plans

Using Bp, or Best Practice Software, effectively for Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans involves leveraging its full suite of features to create comprehensive and personalised care plans. Bp’s template feature allows for the creation of detailed CDM templates that can be easily adapted for individual patient needs. Within Bp, you can access a patient’s complete medical history, ensuring that the CDM plans are informed by the latest and most relevant information. It is also possible to set reminders for regular reviews and follow-ups, which are critical components of effective CDM. Additionally, Bp integrates with other healthcare systems, enabling seamless communication and coordination among different healthcare providers. By maximising the capabilities of Bp, Practice Managers can ensure that their practices deliver high-quality, consistent CDM, while also improving efficiency and reducing the administrative burden on healthcare professionals.

Utilising Templates for CDM Plans

Adding Notifications To The Clinical Record

Adding notifications to the clinical record is a powerful way to enhance Chronic Disease Management (CDM). By utilising the Actions feature in healthcare management software, practices can set up alerts for clinicians when they open a patient’s record. This can include reminders for necessary tests, follow-up appointments, or updates to a CDM plan. These notifications act as prompts, ensuring that important tasks are not overlooked and that the patient’s care plan is adhered to meticulously. For patients identified as eligible for certain CDM activities, this feature can streamline the process of providing timely interventions. Moreover, integrating these notifications within the clinical workflow can improve the efficiency of care delivery without adding to the administrative load. Effectively using the Actions feature helps maintain a high standard of patient care while optimising the use of clinician time.

Using Clinical Reminders For Patient Engagement

Clinical reminders are a key tool for patient engagement in Chronic Disease Management (CDM). With the Actions feature, practices can set up reminders not only for healthcare providers but also for patients. These reminders can prompt patients about upcoming appointments, medication refills, or necessary lifestyle changes. By actively involving patients in their own care, these reminders help increase their commitment to managing their condition. They also enhance communication between patients and the practice, building a relationship of trust and support. When patients receive timely and personalised reminders, they’re more likely to adhere to their management plans, which can lead to better health outcomes. The ability to automate these reminders ensures consistency and reduces the likelihood of human error, contributing to a more efficient and patient-cantered approach to CDM.

The Future Of Chronic Disease Management

How Cubiko Is Shaping The Future Of CDM

Cubiko is at the forefront of shaping the future of Chronic Disease Management (CDM) by providing advanced analytics and benchmarking tools tailored for general practices. These tools help practices to identify potential patients eligible for care, streamline operations, and ultimately provide better patient outcomes. Cubiko’s dashboards give real-time insights into patient populations, enabling practices to be proactive in their CDM approaches. With predictive analytics, Cubiko can assist practices in identifying patients at risk and ensure timely interventions. By leveraging Cubiko’s capabilities with Bp Premier, practice managers can lead their teams with confidence, knowing they are backed by robust data and are utilising the latest innovations in healthcare management to enhance their CDM strategies. 

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Dictate with Confidence and Implement Strategies to Improve Practice Efficiency

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The ever-evolving landscape of healthcare is being significantly reshaped by technology. Gone are the days of overflowing inboxes, and mountains of paperwork and invoices. Today, a wave of innovative apps and software solutions are empowering healthcare professionals to streamline their workflows and maximise efficiency. These digital tools are not only saving valuable time, but also improving accuracy, communication, and overall patient care. Let’s explore how using a smartphone app helped to optimise the dictation and transcription for an Australian practice.

This large, well-established specialist practice had an admin team of 11 with two senior medical secretaries taking on the bulk of the practice typing. As the number of specialists grew, it became necessary to bolster the typing pool. The practice engaged an overseas typing agency with poor quality transcripts, lack of local nuance, and the idea that data visible outside of Australia potentially contravened Australian Privacy Principles.

The practice persevered with this inefficient, substandard overseas transcription solution as it was hard to find local typists who could work on a similar budget. Despite their competent secretarial team, the practice couldn’t keep up with the volume of letters and the practice manager knew the overseas typing agency was far from ideal.

After an in-depth review of their internal business processes, it was uncovered that sound files, data, and documentation were being double handled at multiple levels across the practice. The current process was very manual and administration-heavy, the practice identified that it could be eased with the use of an intelligent transcript app. The app enabled a complete end-to-end transcription process that removed many administration touchpoints within the practice.

The doctors in the practice uploaded VoiceBox Intelligent Transcript to their mobile devices to easily dictate letters in a consistent format with transparent workflows. It is no surprise that investing in technology can empower healthcare professionals to reclaim their time, reduce stress, and provide more time for their patients.

By leveraging technology with the VoiceBox Intelligent Transcript app, the practice was able to reclaim their time to focus on what matters most – their patients.

Technology and digital platforms are supporting busy healthcare professionals to optimise their efficiency and elevate patient care. These innovative tools offer a powerful solution to help ease the burden of administration, freeing up valuable time for direct patient interaction and improved health outcomes. By embracing digital tools like VoiceBox Intelligent Transcript, doctors can streamline workflows, ensure data accuracy, and enhance communication, ultimately creating a more efficient practice and a more positive experience for both themselves and their patients.

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Scenarios in this publication are based on Avant claims experience to date. Certain information has been de-identified to preserve privacy and confidentiality.

Persons implementing any recommendations contained in this publication must exercise their own independent skill or judgment or seek appropriate professional advice relevant to their own particular practice. Compliance with any recommendations will not in any way guarantee discharge of the duty of care owed to patients and others coming into contact with the health professional or practice. Avant and Avant Practice Solutions are not responsible to you or anyone else for any loss suffered in connection with the use of this information. Information is only current at the date initially published. © Avant Mutual Group Limited 2024.

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