General practice quick updates for week beginning 26 October 2026
Updates for the week beginning Monday 26 October 2026.
Find this week’s quick updates and alerts for local general practices, covering the latest sector developments, education and training events, key health system updates, funding opportunities and clinical resources relevant to our region. Updates are grouped by focus area for easy reference.
For more information or tailored practice support, contact our Primary Care team at [email protected].
World Diabetes Day is 14 November 2026
Every day, general practices support patients living with one of Australia's most common chronic conditions. Ahead of World Diabetes Day in November, GPs and general practice teams are encouraged to take the opportunity to raise awareness of the education and self-management programs available to people living with diabetes.
For example, did you know your patients may be eligible for programs such as DESMOND and MyDESMOND?
These evidence-based programs can help people build confidence, strengthen self-management skills and support healthier lifestyles. Consider discussing available support options with eligible patients as part of their ongoing diabetes care.
To explore available programs and resources, visit NDSS and Diabetes Australia.
Learn from leading experts in diabetes and endocrine conditions at the upcoming LEADS Symposium 2026: Early diagnosis and risk reduction across the spectrum.
New general practice quality improvement (QI) case studies help you learn from other local practices
Brisbane South PHN is excited to share our newly published quality improvement case studies, featuring practical ideas from local general practices. Each story shows how a general practice identified an opportunity, involved its team, tested changes and measured results. The case studies are a valuable resource for seeing what other practices are doing and finding approaches you can adapt to your own priorities. Explore the QI case studies for inspiration for your next activity.
Want to share your QI activity results? Submit a QI case study form. Our General Practice Quality Improvement team will contact you to help share your experience and celebrate your achievements.
Webinar on the new Medicare Mental Health Check In service
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing invites health professionals to attend an upcoming webinar on Medicare Mental Health Check In, a free online service that supports people experiencing mild mental health challenges.
Medicare Mental Health Check In helps people build practical skills, confidence and improve their mental health through Low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (LiCBT).
Hear from clinical, primary care and service delivery experts as they discuss:
How Medicare Mental Health Check In works
Which patients may benefit from the service
The evidence behind LiCBT
Referral pathways and integration with clinical care
Patient safety, privacy and risk management processes
Practical examples and patient journey insights
The session will also feature a live Q&A panel, providing an opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from experts. A recording will be available after the event for those unable to attend live.
Date: Wednesday, 4 November 2026
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm AEDT
Register: Register for the webinar
To learn more about Medicare Mental Health Check In, visit Medicare Mental Health Check In.
A reminder about capturing verbal consent for Assignment of Benefit
While general practices have until 30 June 2027 to implement an electronic mode of capturing a patient's consent to assign their Medicare rebate to the practice, it is essential during this transition period that verbal consent is captured. These verbal agreements must record that consent was verbal and include the date. Providers must also keep a copy of the agreement for 2 years. Consent must be obtained for each consultation unless the patient meets the criteria for Enduring Assignment of Benefit.
MyMedicare patients, aged care residents and patients of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations or Aboriginal Medical Services (AMSs) can give enduring consent for bulk-billed GP services. Be aware that any verbal enduring agreements automatically end on 1 July 2027 and other systems must be in place before then. Practice staff should also monitor their MyMedicare registered patients as enduring consent for Assignment of Benefit will cease if that patient is no longer registered with the practice for MyMedicare.