Advocacy & aged care: an update for podiatrists (part 2)
Have you read the recent AIHW report?
While this report focuses on one dataset, being Medicare data, rather than multiple datasets, the following insights still hold significant interest.
Of note in the report:
Of the 25 million Medicare-subsidised allied health services provided in 2021–22:
- The most common type of service was optometry (9.9 million).
- Podiatry accounted for around 3.5 million services, compared with psychology which accounted for around 6.6 million services, and physiotherapy at 2.8 million services (AIHW 2022a).
In 2021–22, 37% of Australians received at least one Medicare-subsidised allied health service (AIHW 2022a). In Australia in 2021–22:
- Females (43%) were more likely to see an allied health professional than males (32%) and received more Medicare-subsidised services per person (1.2, compared with 0.8 for males).
- The number of allied health Medicare-subsidised services per person increased with age and was highest for those aged 80 and over (2.4 services per person).
- People living in metropolitan PHN areas received more Medicare-subsidised allied health services for mental health care (0.3 per person), than those living in regional PHN areas (0.2 per person) (AIHW 2022a).
In addition to Medicare-subsidised services, allied health services are accessed and funded through many arrangements, such as those subsidised by private health insurance or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
The majority of this expenditure was for:
- GP attendances ($9.1 billion, or 53%)
- Diagnostic imaging ($4.0 billion, or 23%)
- Specialist attendances ($2.3 billion, or 13%)
- Allied health ($1.8 billion, or 10%).
More information
- Primary health care data development, for updates on the development of AIHW’s National Primary Health Care Data Collection
- Department of Health 10 Year Primary Health Care Plan
- For related primary care information, see Oral and dental health, Indigenous health and wellbeing, Pathology, imaging and other diagnostic services, Health expenditure and Health workforce.
Visit Primary health care for more on this topic.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for children and teenagers
APodA’s Member Insurance Program: maximise your benefit
Introducing Medicines in Podiatry
The Australian Podiatry Association (APodA) is thrilled to announce a new special interest group, Medicines in Podiatry (MIP), which will provide specific learning and support for endorsed members and those undertaking the endorsement pathway.
The MIP group provides a platform for members to come together, and share knowledge and experiences related to the use of medicines in a podiatry setting. Are you interested in the latest drug therapies for common foot and ankle conditions? Do you have questions about the safe and effective use of medications in your practice? Whatever your interest, the MIP group is the perfect place for you to connect with like-minded colleagues and stay abreast of the latest developments in this field.
As a member of the MIP you can expect a range of benefits, including:
- Access to a dedicated online community where you can connect with other members, share resources, and collaborate on projects related to medicines.
- Opportunities to attend MIP specific CPD events including webinars, online case studies, and virtual meetings focused on drug therapy and their use in podiatry
- The chance to participate in MIP projects, advocacy campaigns and other initiatives related to medicines in podiatry
- Exclusive access to MIP specific resources, including templates, guidance material, reports and articles
- The ability to network and build relationships with other members who are endorsed prescribers.
A special offer is available for existing members or joining members who renew or join before 13th June 2023. These members can add the MIP special interest group to their membership at no cost, usually valued at $55 per annum. To join the MIP, simply tick the MIP special interest group checkbox at the time of renewing or joining.
We are excited to kick off this new special interest group and look forward to exploring the latest developments and building resources for our prescribing members.
Advance your career & connect with your peers
Top tax tips from the ATO
With the end of financial year upon us, now is the time to ensure your tax affairs are in order. The Australian Podiatry Association shares the following update for its members, direct from the Australian Taxation Office.
Tax time is right around the corner – do you know what deductions you could be claiming? Well, good news, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) have prepared a range of tailored information for medical professionals to help make tax time simple this year.
Read the full article in APodA’s member portal.
