Welcome to Our Spring Newsletter!
We’re delighted to bring you another edition packed with important updates and helpful health information. In this issue, we share details about the new National Lung Cancer Screening Program, changes to GP Chronic Condition Management Plans, and the benefits of Home Medicines Reviews to keep your treatments safe and effective. We’ll also update you on the upcoming bulk billing incentive changes and what this means for our practice.
We’re very proud to let you know that Your Family Doctors Erina recently passed our practice reaccreditation with flying colours—a wonderful reflection of the high-quality care and standards we strive to maintain every day. With Women’s Health Week (1–5 September) just behind us, it’s the perfect reminder to prioritise your health and stay up to date with important checks and screenings.
LUNG CANCER SCREENING PROGRAM
From July 1, a new National Lung Cancer Screening Program has been launched across Australia — and it could save lives.
If you’re aged 50 to 70 and currently smoke or have a history of smoking tobacco cigarettes, but don’t have any symptoms of lung cancer, you may be eligible for a free lung cancer screening.
Lung cancer screening involves a low-dose CT scan that can detect lung cancer early — often before any symptoms develop. Early detection is critical: it can identify up to 70% of lung cancers in their early stages, when treatment is most effective and outcomes are far better.
Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ Book an appointment with your GP
2️⃣ Check your eligibility for lung cancer screening
3️⃣ Consent to participate and enrol in the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR)
4️⃣ Get referred for a free low-dose CT scan
5️⃣ Have your scan and receive your results
It’s simple, safe, and could make all the difference.
Think you or someone you know might be eligible – Make an appointment with your doctor today.
What if I have symptoms?
If you have any of these symptoms, even if your last screening test was very low risk or you are between scans, please talk to your doctor right away.
• A new or changed cough
• Coughing up blood
• Being short of breath for no reason
• Getting very tired
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest or shoulder pain that does not go away
For more information go to https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-05/national-lung-cancer-screening-program-what-is-the-nlcsp-fact-sheet.pdf
For help to quit smoking call Quitline – 137848
GP CHRONIC CONDITION MANAGEMENT PLANS
As you may know, our practice regularly reviews and updates chronic condition management plans to help patients living with long-term conditions receive the best possible care. Recently, Medicare has introduced changes to the way some of these plans are funded. Unfortunately, one of the key item numbers we previously relied on has been reduced, which impacts the level of support available to practices like ours.
To continue providing high-quality, comprehensive care, we may need to introduce a small gap fee every 12 months when reviewing your GP chronic condition management plan. This will help cover the shortfall and ensure we can maintain the time, resources, and care you deserve. We understand that any change to fees can be concerning, and we remain committed to keeping costs as affordable as possible while delivering the same high standard of service.
Please note that to be eligible for a chronic condition management plan at Your Family Doctors Erina, patients will now need to be enrolled in our practice under MyMedicare. This ensures your care remains coordinated and allows us to continue providing the best possible support for your long-term health needs. To register for MyMedicare go to https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/register-for-mymedicare?context=22751 or talk to our staff.
HOME MEDICINES REVIEW
Did you know that you may be eligible for a government-funded Home Medicines Review (HMR)? This program is designed to help ensure your medications are safe, effective, and working well together. A referral from your GP allows a trusted local pharmacist to visit you at home, review all of your prescriptions, and also check any over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or supplements you may be taking.
The pharmacist then provides a detailed report to your GP, highlighting any potential issues such as side effects, interactions, or duplications. Together, we can make any necessary adjustments to keep your treatment safe and effective. HMRs are a valuable way to give you peace of mind, reduce medication risks, and support your overall health—especially if you are taking several medications.
If you think you may benefit from a Home Medicines Review, please speak with your GP or practice nurse at your next visit. The good news is that Home Medicine Reviews are government funded.
WE’VE BEEN REACCREDITED – AGAIN!
We’re proud to announce that Your Family Doctors at Erina is once again AGPAL Accredited — and we passed with flying colours!
Every three years, general practices across Australia are assessed against strict national standards — covering everything from infection control and emergency planning to staff training, patient privacy, and safety.
So what does this mean for you? It means our entire team — doctors, nurses, receptionists, and managers — is committed to delivering safe, high-quality care every single day. From behind the scenes to your consult room, we’re focused on doing things properly and keeping up with best practices.
Reaccreditation is a big tick of approval that reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and making sure you and your family receive care you can trust. A huge thank you to our amazing team — we’re proud of the work we do, and we hope you are too!
Want to know more about AGPAL and what accreditation involves?
Visit: www.agpal.com.au/for-consumers
UPCOMING GOVERNMENT BULK BILLING INCENTIVE CHANGES
From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government will introduce changes to Medicare’s bulk billing incentives, with the aim of improving access to care. While we support initiatives that focus on patient health, the reality is that the additional funding is limited and does not keep pace with the rising costs of delivering high-quality medical services.
Running a modern general practice requires significant investment in skilled staff, medical equipment, technology, and maintaining our facilities. Unfortunately, even with the updated incentives, Medicare rebates do not cover the true cost of providing the comprehensive, patient-centred care we believe in.
As most GP clinics in Australia are small private businesses, this funding gap has real consequences. Due to years of Medicare rebate freezes and ongoing inflation, Your Family Doctors at Erina will continue to operate as a private billing clinic. This means most consultations will still involve an out-of-pocket fee, though we will continue to process your Medicare rebate on your behalf.
The gap fees we charge directly support:
- Longer, more thorough consultations
- Continuity of care with your regular GP
- Experienced nurses and practice staff
- Investment in essential equipment and technology
- A focus on preventative and comprehensive healthcare—not rushed, “6-minute medicine”
We deeply appreciate your understanding and support. By choosing private billing, we can continue to deliver the high-quality care you and your family deserve, despite the challenges of a difficult funding environment.
WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK 2025 – Say Yes to You
Women’s Health Week ran from 1–5 September 2025, with the theme “Say Yes to You”—a reminder for women to speak up, check in, and prioritise their health and wellbeing. In the midst of busy lives filled with work, family, and community commitments, it can be easy to put your own health last. This week encouraged women of all ages to pause, reflect, and take action for their own health.
At Your Family Doctors Erina, we are here to support you every step of the way—whether it’s keeping up with cervical screening, breast checks, contraception and fertility advice, menopause care, mental health support, or simply booking in for a routine check-up. Women’s Health Week is an excellent reminder to say yes to you and make your health a priority today and every day.
For useful women’s health resources go to …. https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/
STAFF NEWS
HAPPY RETIREMENT DR DAVID KING
August 27th marked Dr David King’s last day of consulting patients at Your Family Doctors at Erina.
For almost eight years, Dr King has been an integral part of our team, sharing his decades of experience, wisdom, and kindness — leaving a lasting impact on both our patients and our staff.
As he steps into retirement, Dr King is looking forward to spending more time with his family, keeping up with his 17 grandchildren, sailing, gardening, and enjoying all the things he loves.
On behalf of the entire team at Your Family Doctors, we thank Dr King for his years of outstanding service and dedication. He will be greatly missed, and we wish him every happiness in this exciting new chapter
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Thank You for Reading Our Spring Newsletter
As we welcome the sunshine and longer days, we hope this edition has provided useful health tips and practice updates.. Between newsletters, you can stay connected with Your Family Doctors at Erina by following us on Facebook and Instagram, or by visiting our website and blog for practical advice written by our GPs.
We’d also love to hear your feedback—your thoughts help us improve the care and services we provide. Simply scan the QR code below to share your experience with us.
Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy spring, and we look forward to caring for you in the months ahead.
Love Team YFD xx
