The Good GP

In this episode, Dr Ramya Raman is joined by Dr Paul Victor Effler, a public health physician, to discuss the current diphtheria outbreak in northern Australia. The clinical features of diphtheria, including its potential for severe throat and skin infections, and highlights the characteristic signs to watch for in general practice.
Dr Effler outlines the epidemiology of the outbreak, noting its predominance in remote Aboriginal communities, and provides guidance on when to suspect diphtheria based on clinical and epidemiological clues. Recommending the use of culture and PCR swabs, as well as the importance of alerting public health authorities in suspected cases.
Explaining vaccination schedules and recent updates for high-risk areas, and the vaccine’s role in preventing severe disease but not transmission. They conclude by addressing the need for ongoing vaccination in affected communities and the importance of tackling underlying factors that contribute to high rates of skin infection.

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network
If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Ramya Raman is joined by Dr Stephen Oo, a paediatric respiratory physician from Perth Children’s Hospital, Fiona Stanley Hospital, and Respiratory Care WA. They discuss the recent updates to the Australian Asthma Handbook and the implications for asthma management across all age groups in general practice.
Key Topics Discussed:
Asthma Guideline Changes:
Shift from SABA (salbutamol) relievers to Anti-Inflammatory Reliever (AIR) therapy (inhaled corticosteroid + formoterol) for adults and adolescents.
Focus on treating airway inflammation rather than just symptoms.
Adults and Adolescents:
Tailor preventative therapy based on symptom severity and exacerbation history.
AIR therapy suitable for patients with poor adherence or very mild symptoms.
Discusses risks of repeated oral steroid use, including osteoporosis.
School-aged Children (6–12 Years):
Limited evidence for AIR/SMART therapy in this age group.
Most children should continue with regular low-dose inhaled corticosteroids.
Challenges with lung function tests and alternative regimens.
Children Under 6 Years:
Diagnosis is challenging; trial of inhaled steroid may clarify diagnosis.
Consider differential diagnoses such as protracted bacterial bronchitis.
Monitor response to therapy for further guidance.
Patient Education and Adherence:
Use simple analogies to explain airway inflammation and the need for preventer therapy.
Stress importance of regular medication use and clear communication.

Updating asthma management across all age groups and strategies for improving patient education in general practice.
The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network
If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

In this episode, Dr Maria Li is joined again by Associate Professor Antonio Di Dio, GP and Director of the Professional Services Review, to discuss practical strategies for avoiding Medicare compliance issues in general practice.
Key points:
The crucial role of accurate, contemporaneous medical records to justify each billed item.
Importance of regularly checking what has been billed under your provider number for accuracy.
Effective use of documentation templates: start with templates but always individualise records for each patient encounter.
Billing considerations with telehealth, especially in relation to the “3020 rule” (for telephone items).
Advice on practice systems to minimise billing errors, including communicating with staff about the correct use of item numbers.
Regularly consulting MBS item descriptors and educational resources, such as those offered by RACGP, to ensure appropriate billing.
Guidance on using AI scribe tools, review and edit all automatically transcribed notes to ensure accuracy and appropriateness.
The importance of peer discussions and knowing that PSR reviews are context-sensitive, not purely algorithmic.

Associate Professor Antonio Di Dio emphasises that thorough documentation, regular billing checks, and ongoing education are the main safeguards against compliance issues. He reassures GPs that most practitioners will never be affected by PSR processes if they follow best practices.
Links & Resources:
https://www.psr.gov.au/
Medicare compliance | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
https://www.health.gov.au/topics/medicare/compliance/how-to-comply?language=en

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network
If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

In this episode, host Dr Maria Li is joined by Associate Professor Antonio Di Dio, a practicing GP and Director of the Professional Services Review (PSR), to discuss Medicare compliance, a topic of growing relevance and concern for Australian general practitioners.
Associate Professor Antonio Di Dio explains the role and remit of the PSR in Australia, outlining how it operates independently from Medicare and exists to protect both patients and the Commonwealth from inappropriate or unnecessary healthcare.
Key points:
The origins and legislative framework of the PSR and its place within Australia’s compliance ecosystem.
The mechanisms that trigger Medicare referrals to the PSR, including unusual billing patterns (data triggers) and external tip-offs.
The structured review process, possible outcomes (including no action, agreement under Section 92, or referral to a committee), and criteria for progressing cases.
Reassurances for GPs that a PSR referral does not automatically mean adverse findings, with many cases resulting in no further action.
The role of peer input throughout the process, and emphasis on seeking mitigating circumstances.
Consequences of adverse findings, including financial repayments and restricted billing, while clarifying that the PSR does not impact a doctor’s licence to practise (though it may refer cases to AHPRA under certain circumstances).
Practical advice for GPs if subject to a PSR review: notify medical defence organisations early, seek support from trusted colleagues and family, and, if necessary, access doctors’ health services.

This episode is aimed at demystifying the PSR process, reducing unnecessary fear, and empowering GPs with knowledge on best practices for engagement and self-protection if under review.
Links & Resources:
https://www.psr.gov.au/
Medicare compliance | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
https://www.health.gov.au/topics/medicare/compliance/how-to-comply?language=en

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network
If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!

In this episode, host Dr Krystyna De Lange is joined by Dr Ashley Bowden, ACRRM registrar and exercise science graduate, to discuss the growing interest in peptides, particularly those promoted in the fitness and wellness sectors.
Dr Ashley Bowden defines peptides as short chains of amino acids and distinguishes between regulated, TGA-approved peptides (such as insulin and GLP-1 analogues) and unregulated, research-use-only peptides commonly discussed online and in gyms. Exploring the demographics of peptide users in Australia, noting that use extends from athletes to recreational gym users, occupational groups, and young adults influenced by social media trends.
They also addressed the limited evidence for the efficacy and safety of unregulated peptides, highlighting that most claims are based on anecdotal reports rather than robust clinical trials. Associated risks include potential side effects, the dangers of unregulated products, and complications related to injection practices.
Dr Bowden provides a practical harm-minimisation approach for GPs whose patients raise questions about or disclose use of peptides. He stresses the value of a non-judgemental, curious approach to build rapport, assess risks, offer regular monitoring, and support overall patient health, while recognising the ethical complexities faced when evidence is lacking.
Links & Resources:
Healthy Male article: https://healthymale.org.au/health-article/peptides-australia-what-you-need-know
Webinar: Understanding the use of androgens, SARMS and peptides by Australian males: https://medcast.com.au/courses/1153

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network
If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information. You can also find us on our Instagram page: @thegoodgppodcast. Follow us for more updates!