| 16
August 2007
Dear
Member,
I am delighted to inform you that the Minister of
Health, the Hon. Tony Abbott, has
now granted podiatrists access to three Medicare numbers
in principle. These cover ultrasound of the foot and
lower limb.
This
is a major step forward for podiatry and for our patients.
It results from an active campaign by the APodC over
the last eighteen months. Many podiatrists have helped
this initiative providing advice and promoting this
submission to their elected representatives. There
are too many to name individually but our thanks to
everyone who has been involved.
Further
access to Diagnostic Imaging with more ultrasound
items will give podiatrists access to an important
diagnostic tool. It also reduces the duplication experienced
by many patients.
There
are details to be finalised regarding timing and implementation.
We will communicate these to you as soon as possible.
In addition, Member Associations will be providing
CE programs to enable podiatrists to refresh/improve
their skills in this area. More details will follow
from your Member Association. Our thanks to all the
Member Associations for their support. This outcome
is a demonstration of what can be achieved by working
together in partnership.
We
particularly thank Minister Tony Abbott and his advisors
(especially Dr Bennie Ng) for this step forward.
This
was one of two submissions made by the APodC. The
other covers access to pathology testing. We will
now focus our attention on this submission which we
believe is critical to S4 prescribing rights.
The
APodC Board looks forward to continuing to work with
Government on matters that impact on the long term
development of the profession.
Scott
Leslie
President APodC
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