GP Insights – A HealthCert Podcast

In skin cancer surgery, the humble curette is a familiar tool, but how effective is curettage on its own as a definitive treatment? In this episode of Life by a Thousand Cuts, A/Prof Tony Dicker takes a closer look at a new study published in Dermatologic Surgery exploring five-year recurrence rates following curettage-only management of keratinocyte carcinomas. In the episode, A/Prof Dicker covers: How the study was designed and what its limitations tell us about real-world data collection How recurrence rates after curettage compare with surgery, cautery, and topical therapies What this means for treatment selection, patient communication, and MBS item use in Australian practice If you have ever wondered whether curettage alone can stand up as a reliable primary treatment option, this episode offers useful insights drawn from recent evidence and practical interpretation.   Watch this episode here. Life by a Thousand Cuts  This podcast series is designed to help you enhance your clinical decision-making, procedural skills, and confidence in skin cancer management. Focus on real-world cases, surgical techniques and tips, journal article reviews, diagnostic and management insights, and guest interviews with GPs and specialists. Next steps in your learning journey

Looking to practise responsibly and confidently in aesthetic medicine? In this episode of HealthCert's The Aesthetic Shift podcast series, Kelly Beasy breaks down one of the most important (and often misunderstood) concepts in clinical practice: scope of practice. Whether you are a nurse, nurse practitioner, or doctor, your scope of practice isn't fixed. It evolves with your education, competence, authority, and clinical context. But defining and maintaining that scope is essential to patient safety, professional integrity, and legal compliance. In the episode, Kelly explores what “scope of practice” really means outside the hospital setting, where roles can vary widely and clinicians often set their own boundaries. She discusses: Why formal education (not just conferences or observation) matters for safe practice How to assess your competence, including your ability to manage complications The importance of medical oversight and team structures that align with your qualifications Why your scope changes with context,  from rural to city practice, or as your career evolves The value of mentorship in safely expanding your scope over time Watch this episode here.   Next steps in your learning journey

Dr John O'Bryen delivers an insightful presentation for GPs on practical, evidence-based approaches to diagnosing, managing, and preventing actinic keratosis in the general practice setting. As part of HealthCert Education's Masterclasses in Dermoscopy and Skin Cancer Surgery in Brisbane in August 2025, Skin Cancer Doctor John O'Bryen delivered an informative talk (in collaboration with La Roche Posay) on the primary care management of actinic keratosis, from diagnosis and management to prevention and patient education. What you will learn Navigate best practice strategies for actinic keratosis management, covering diagnosis, treatment, post-treatment care, and recurrence prevention. Learn evidence-based approaches to improve patient outcomes and minimise side effects. Gain insights on how to optimise healing after procedures (biopsies, cryotherapy, excisions, topical therapies, etc.) and identify delayed wound healing. Discover how to implement preventative measures against actinic keratosis recurrence and skin cancers. Hear your colleagues' questions and Dr O'Bryen's real-world advice in the concluding Q&A session.  

Confused by the latest MBS changes? From 1 July 2025, Medicare introduced major updates in women's health and chronic disease management, including new item numbers for menopause health assessments and revised chronic condition care plans. In this HealthCert GP Update, Dr Simone Gonzo unpacks how to apply the new Medicare item numbers in women's health and chronic disease, providing a clear, practical overview tailored for busy GPs. What you will learn In a practical, case-based approach to the latest MBS changes, Dr Simon Gonzo uses real-world scenarios to demonstrate how to: Apply the new menopause health assessment (item 695). Integrate the new chronic condition management plan (965/967) into everyday workflows. Align mental health care planning and psychology referrals. Document correctly to meet requirements and avoid medicolegal risk. Combine billings efficiently in one patient encounter without over-servicing. Use AI tools to streamline documentation and reduce admin burden. This session will help you feel confident that your documentation meets Medicare standards, while making the most of new funded opportunities in women's health and chronic disease care. Next steps in your learning journey

When media reports suggest that sunscreens “fail” SPF testing, GPs are often the first to field patients' concerns. In this episode of Life by a Thousand Cuts, A/Prof Tony Dicker takes a closer look at recent media controversies and applies a clinical lens to discuss whether sunscreens work and are safe to use. In the episode, he discusses SPF testing and how it is not absolute; small variations in testing conditions or sample batches can change results, even among regulated products. Despite this, Australia's regulatory standards remain among the most stringent globally; unlike in many other countries, sunscreens are classed as therapeutic goods and regulated by the TGA. A “failed” SPF test result doesn't necessarily mean a product is unsafe or ineffective. It often reflects marginal variation rather than complete loss of protection. Affected manufacturers have acted responsibly by voluntarily withdrawing products to investigate further, which is an important sign of quality control, not negligence. A/Prof Dicker reiterates that GPs play a vital role in patient reassurance and countering misinformation, since sunscreen remains a key element of skin cancer prevention, alongside other sun safety measures like shade and clothing. “Some sun protection is better than none. The world isn't black and white — it's grey. Understanding that nuance helps us guide patients confidently.” - A/Prof Tony Dicker Watch this episode here. Life by a Thousand Cuts  This podcast series is designed to help you enhance your clinical decision-making, procedural skills, and confidence in skin cancer management. Focus on real-world cases, surgical techniques and tips, journal article reviews, diagnostic and management insights, and guest interviews with GPs and specialists. Next steps in your learning journey

In this episode of HealthCert's The Aesthetic Shift podcast series, Kelly Beasy sits down with Dr Amanda Sabel, a GP and aesthetic practitioner from Western Australia, to share their advice on blending women's health with aesthetic medicine. Dr Sabel shares how her own experience navigating perimenopause became the catalyst for building a clinic where women's health is front and centre, and how she has combined this with her background in aesthetics to deliver holistic care for her patients. Together, Kelly and Dr Sabel explore: Why menopause and perimenopause remain under-recognised in clinical practice. The challenges of managing complex symptoms within standard consultation times. Practical ways GPs and cosmetic practitioners can introduce women's health services. The evolving evidence around hormone therapy, lifestyle, and laser-based treatments. If you are a GP or nurse practitioner looking to expand your scope and support women through all stages of life, this conversation offers insights into what is possible both clinically and professionally. Watch this episode here.   Next steps in your learning journey

In this episode of Life by A Thousand Cuts podcast, A/Prof Tony Dicker takes a closer look at a new study comparing wound closures using glue versus sutures on the trunk and limbs. The research, published in Dermatologic Surgery, followed patients for 12 months to see which method produced the better scar. The findings might surprise you, and could change how you think about surface closures in your own practice. A/Prof Dicker unpacks the study design, discusses what the results really mean for doctors treating skin cancers, and reflects on how factors like tissue reactivity, closure technique, and anatomical site can all influence cosmetic outcomes. Tune in to hear his take on when glue might have an edge, what to watch for in your own closures, and why even small technique choices can make a difference over time. Watch this episode here. Life by a Thousand Cuts  This podcast series is designed to help you enhance your clinical decision-making, procedural skills, and confidence in skin cancer management. Focus on real-world cases, surgical techniques and tips, journal article reviews, diagnostic and management insights, and guest interviews with GPs and specialists. Next steps in your learning journey

In this episode of Life by A Thousand Cuts podcast, A/Prof Tony Dicker sits down with Dr Ian Katz, a dual-trained pathologist and founder of several skin cancer clinics, to explore one of the most debated topics in skin cancer management: margins. Dr Katz shares his unique perspective as both a pathologist and a clinician, reflecting on why confusion around margins persists, and how GPs can better interpret pathology reports in practice. They discuss: Clinical vs histological margins: Guidelines are based on clinical margins, not what's measured under the microscope. A “1.5mm histological clearance” isn't the same thing as a “5mm clinical margin.” Measurement variability: Pathology reports aren't exact science. A “2mm margin” often means “2mm ± 1–2mm.” Numbers give guidance, but they're not absolute. What really matters: In many cases, being histologically one cell clear is enough. The reason we aim wider is due to uncertainty, because we only ever see a small fraction of the specimen under the microscope. Managing uncertainty: Skin cancer surgery comes with ambiguity. If you are someone who struggles to sleep without a precise answer, skin cancer work can feel uncomfortable. Understanding the limits of pathology helps. Communication counts: Clear request forms (with the prior diagnosis, margin status, and level of clinical suspicion) make it easier for pathologists to provide meaningful reports. This discussion is about bridging the gap between the clinical and pathology worlds, and recognising that margins are less about chasing numbers, and more about good clinical judgement, clear reporting, and thoughtful follow-up. Watch this episode here. Life by a Thousand Cuts  This podcast series is designed to help you enhance your clinical decision-making, procedural skills, and confidence in skin cancer management. Focus on real-world cases, surgical techniques and tips, journal article reviews, diagnostic and management insights, and guest interviews with GPs and specialists. Next steps in your learning journey

Gestational diabetes is one of the most common and challenging complications seen in pregnancy, and new guidelines are changing how GPs should approach its screening and management. In this HealthCert GP Update, Dr Simone Gonzo unpacks the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS) 2025 Consensus Recommendations, providing a clear, practical overview tailored for busy GPs. What you will learn How to distinguish overt diabetes from GDM. When and how to apply early screening protocols for high-risk patients. Updated diagnostic thresholds and what they mean in day-to-day practice. How these changes may influence your management decisions and patient outcomes. Next steps in your learning journey

In this episode of HealthCert's The Aesthetic Shift podcast series, Kelly Beasy speaks to Kelly McChord about her journey from solo practice to multi-clinic ownership and the lessons learned in building a sustainable aesthetics business. Kelly McChord is a Nurse Practitioner with 15 years' experience in the aesthetics industry, who is based in Perth and who has a special interest in cosmetic medicine and women's health. She shares her inspiring story of building a thriving aesthetics career, from starting out as a solo practitioner to soon opening her second clinic. Her path into aesthetics was shaped by her background in emergency and resuscitation care, where she realised that health isn't just about survival, but also about confidence and quality of life. That insight eventually led her into aesthetics, where she found new ways to help people feel their best. Over the past 15 years, Kelly has grown from performing her first wrinkle relaxer treatments while raising four children, to establishing a busy clinic that now needs more space to meet patient demand. Along the way, she has navigated the challenges of working alone, building a client base, hiring staff, and expanding services with carefully chosen devices. In this conversation, Kelly Beasy and Kelly McChord share their practical lessons for clinicians considering a similar path: Build your foundation first. Focus on training, competence, and developing a loyal patient portfolio before scaling. Know when to expand. Hiring a second injector, investing in devices, or moving to a bigger clinic should be driven by patient demand and return on investment. Value your time and team. Setting boundaries, delegating effectively, and supporting staff are essential to sustainable growth. Invest in skills, not just equipment. Patient trust and confidence in your expertise are far more powerful than any device alone. Watch this episode here.   Next steps in your learning journey

In this episode of Life by A Thousand Cuts podcast, A/Prof Tony Dicker explores a critical topic for doctors surgically treating skin cancers: how to avoid accidentally cutting nerves during procedures. A/Prof Dicker offers real-world strategies to help you plan safer surgeries. The discussion covers several major nerves relevant to skin cancer surgery, particularly in the head and neck region: Accessory nerve – Damage here can cause significant morbidity, including shoulder weakness and difficulty raising the arm. A/Prof Dicker explains how to identify its path along the sternocleidomastoid and when referral is the safer option. Temporal branch of the facial nerve – Injury can cause unwanted, asymmetric paralysis of the forehead. A/Prof Dicker shares a simple anatomical landmark and tips for safer anaesthesia. Marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve – Though variable in its course, awareness of its position along the jawline can help avoid serious complications. Common peroneal nerve – In the lower limb, damage can lead to foot drop, a complication with major functional consequences. A/Prof Dicker also highlights commonly overlooked issues such as forehead numbness from small sensory nerves, why tumescent anaesthesia can improve safety in thin-skinned patients, and the importance of patient communication before surgery to manage expectations and reduce distress. This episode is packed with practical pearls for clinicians working in skin cancer surgery, reminding us that while excision margins and pathology are essential, so too is thoughtful consideration of what lies beneath.   Watch this episode here. Life by a Thousand Cuts  This podcast series is designed to help you enhance your clinical decision-making, procedural skills, and confidence in skin cancer management. Focus on real-world cases, surgical techniques and tips, journal article reviews, diagnostic and management insights, and guest interviews with GPs and specialists. Next steps in your learning journey

Vasectomy is one of the most effective and under-utilised forms of contraception, yet access remains limited in many parts of Australia. In this latest episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, Dr Raj Selvarajan shares his personal journey into the field and why more doctors may want to consider adding this procedure to their skillset. After training as a GP in the UK, Dr Selvarajan undertook structured vasectomy training, which included supervised procedures, competency milestones, and formal certification. This system gave him the confidence and technical skills to practise safely. In contrast, Australia has no standardised training pathway; most local practitioners have learnt overseas, in hospitals, or alongside experienced colleagues. In the podcast, Dr Selvarajan reflects honestly on the challenges he faced during training, especially when performing the procedure under local anaesthesia, where patient comfort and precision are critical. He recalls moments of self-doubt early on, but also highlights the importance of persistence, preparation, and supportive mentorship. Confidence builds over time, and what begins as a steep learning curve becomes a rewarding and highly practical skill. Watch this episode here.   Want to upskill in the no-scalpel vasectomy method? Start with HealthCert Education's Advanced Workshop of Non-Scalpel Vasectomy to build your foundational skills. Then round-out your hands-on vasectomy training with a clinical placement at Dr Raj Selvarajan's clinic.

In this episode of Life by A Thousand Cuts, A/Prof Tony Dicker takes a closer look at surgical marking pens, exploring how the simple act of drawing a line can influence outcomes. Anyone who has carefully mapped a surgical plan only to see it vanish after prepping the skin, knows the frustration. In this podcast, A/Prof Dicker dives into the evidence behind different pens, from gentian violet markers to permanent markers and even the humble biro, and how antiseptic agents like chlorhexidine, Betadine, and alcohol impact their durability. He also delves into infection risk, cross-contamination, and the rare but real possibility of ink tattooing if markings are incised. Studies comparing pen performance across skin types and prep solutions offer valuable insights. A/Prof Dicker also shares his own preferences: permanent markers with a mid-sized tip for clear, reliable lines, applied after cleaning intact skin with alcohol wipes. He stresses the importance of tailoring pen choice to both the surgical setting and patient factors, especially skin tone. Watch this episode here. Life by a Thousand Cuts  This podcast series is designed to help you enhance your clinical decision-making, procedural skills, and confidence in skin cancer management. Focus on real-world cases, surgical techniques and tips, journal article reviews, diagnostic and management insights, and guest interviews with GPs and specialists. Next steps in your learning journey

In this episode of Life by A Thousand Cuts, A/Prof Tony Dicker takes a closer look at rhomboid closures: a practical flap technique for your surgical toolkit. While most skin cancers don't present neatly in a diamond shape, traditional rhomboid flaps are based on excising a diamond-shaped defect, which can sometimes remove more tissue than necessary. In this week's episode, A/Prof Dicker explores both the classic rhomboid flap and the modified rhomboid approach, which allows for effective closure of more natural, circular tumour excisions. He explores the geometry behind traditional rhomboid flaps (including 120- and 60-degree angles), why the modified rhomboid is often better suited for circular defects, how to design and execute a flap that aligns with natural skin tension lines (thus improving both functional and cosmetic outcomes), and a step-by-step walkthrough of a rhomboid flap on the cheek, demonstrating how tissue is rotated into place for optimal closure. This episode is highly visual, with step-by-step guidance through the design and movement of tissue flaps to close surgical defects while respecting relaxed skin tension lines. You can watch the video here. Life by a Thousand Cuts  This podcast series is designed to help you enhance your clinical decision-making, procedural skills, and confidence in skin cancer management. Focus on real-world cases, surgical techniques and tips, journal article reviews, diagnostic and management insights, and guest interviews with GPs and specialists. Next steps in your learning journey

In this latest episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, Dr Raj Selvarajan walks through what GPs can expect when managing a patient undergoing vasectomy, from the initial consult and managing patient concerns to communication tips, procedure workflow, and follow-up. This episode focuses on the patient experience and doctor–patient communication, providing GPs with a clear understanding of how to deliver safe and supportive care. What a typical vasectomy consultation looks like, including what should be covered in the first consult, what questions and concerns patients usually raise, and how to approach patient education, risks, and consent. Common misconceptions about vasectomy and how to address them to put your patients at ease. How to build trust and manage patient expectations, including communication strategies for helping patients feel safe and informed. A typical day in a vasectomy clinic, including what the procedure workflow looks like, who is involved, and the structure of a typical work day. Dr Selvarajan's philosophies on patient care and how to make the vasectomy experience positive from the patient's perspective. Expert advice for GPs to keep in mind when they first start consulting for vasectomy (and the one clinical detail that they often miss).   Want to upskill in the no-scalpel vasectomy method? Start with HealthCert Education's Advanced Workshop of Non-Scalpel Vasectomy to build your foundational skills. Then round-out your hands-on vasectomy training with a clinical placement at Dr Raj Selvarajan's clinic.

In this week's new episode of Life by a Thousand Cuts, A/Prof Tony Dicker explores the practical considerations of using deep dissolving sutures when closing a wound in skin cancer surgery. While suturing is a highly visual technique, A/Prof Dicker shares his expert tips that every skin cancer clinician should keep in mind, including: When dermal sutures can (and can't) be placed Why absorbable sutures may save patients significant time and inconvenience The debate around dyed vs undyed sutures How to achieve optimal wound eversion Alongside this discussion, A/Prof Dicker provides a demonstration video to walk you through the practical aspects of placing deep sutures. Watch it here.  Life by a Thousand Cuts  This podcast series is designed to help you enhance your clinical decision-making, procedural skills, and confidence in skin cancer management. Focus on real-world cases, surgical techniques and tips, journal article reviews, diagnostic and management insights, and guest interviews with GPs and specialists. Next steps in your learning journey

Tune into this first episode of a new podcast series by HealthCert Education, The Aesthetic Shift, in which Kelly Beasy provides expert tips on how to manage complications following cosmetic treatments — what is likely, what is rare, and how to respond. The Aesthetic Shift podcast is for cosmetic practitioners looking to evolve, diversify, and future-proof their aesthetic practice. Each episode explores core cosmetic topics to help you broaden your offering and build a more resilient practice! Kelly Beasy is a Nurse Practitioner, clinic owner, and cosmetic medicine trainer at KB Aesthetix with 20 years of nursing experience and 10+ years' experience in the aesthetic industry. She also offers a 1:1 mentorship program for clinicians. In this episode, Kelly deep dives into how to manage complications following cosmetic treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, Sculptra, microneedling, and Skin Boosters — what is likely, what is rare, and how to respond. Kelly provides expert tips on how to reduce risk, how to inform your patients about potential complications, and how to react quickly if adverse events occur. She also discusses key protocols and training to equip you with a toolkit to handle most complications you're likely to encounter.   Next steps in your learning journey

Tune into this new episode of Life by a Thousand Cuts: a HealthCert podcast series hosted by A/Prof Tony Dicker, offering practical, case-based insights in skin cancer surgery for GPs. In this episode, A/Prof Dicker dives into a fascinating study from Egypt exploring unconventional treatments for keloid scars, including insulin and Botulinum toxin injections. The trial, published in the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery in June 2025, compared these options with the standard intralesional corticosteroids. While steroids remained the most effective overall, the study found some interesting pros and cons for each approach, including fewer steroid-related side effects with insulin or Botulinum toxin. A/Prof Dicker breaks down the trial design, results, and practical takeaways for GPs, and shares when he might (and might not) consider these alternatives in clinical practice. Helpful resources Click here for an overview of the paper discussed in this episode. Watch the video version here. Life by a Thousand Cuts  This podcast series is designed to help you enhance your clinical decision-making, procedural skills, and confidence in skin cancer management. Focus on real-world cases, surgical techniques and tips, journal article reviews, diagnostic and management insights, and guest interviews with GPs and specialists. Next steps in your learning journey

Tune into this first episode of Life by a Thousand Cuts: a HealthCert podcast series hosted by A/Prof Tony Dicker, offering practical, case-based insights in skin cancer surgery for GPs. The series is designed to help you enhance your clinical decision-making, procedural skills, and confidence in skin cancer management. Focus on real-world cases, surgical techniques and tips, journal article reviews, diagnostic and management insights, and guest interviews with GPs and specialists. In this episode, A/Prof Dicker speaks with Prof Cliff Rosendahl about the evolution of skin cancer medicine in general practice, told through Cliff's unique journey from GP to educator, researcher, and co-creator of one of the world's most used dermatoscopy frameworks. It's a conversation about how ideas become practice, and how individuals can shape an entire field.   What's covered in this episode The early days: Cliff's path from general practice into skin cancer, and what skin cancer work looked like then vs now. The creation of SCARD: Why it was needed and how it helped GPs build surgical confidence. Becoming an educator: What led Cliff to start teaching dermatoscopy, and how teaching and learning in this space has changed. Translating observation into research: Cliff's early publications (what drove them and how they came about) and the value of practice-based evidence. The development of Chaos & Clues: The real-world problems it was trying to solve, how it works, and why it's still relevant today. Cliff's book: Turning knowledge into a resource and what he hopes GPs will take away from it. Reflections and advice for GPs starting out in skin cancer work or dermatoscopy.   Helpful resources Download the slide deck from this podcast here. You might also be interested to check out Prof Cliff Rosendahl's book mentioned in this episode here.   Next steps in your learning journey

This podcast offers an insightful discussion about the landscape of skin cancer care in the United States and Canada, and dives into why physicians may consider integrating skin cancer services into their primary care practice — an especially exceptional listen if you are based in North America. Hear from Paul Elmslie (Founder of HealthCert Education) as he provides his unique insights into primary care skin cancer screening. Joined by U.S.-based Primary Care Physician Dr John Howard MD, Paul shares the profound impact of growing and expanding your practice through skin cancer care, rooted in his own experiences shaping the landscape of skin cancer medicine in Australia over the past two decades.

In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, Dr Raj Selvarajan (a Specialist General Practitioner and Course Director for the HealthCert Education Advanced Workshop of Non-Scalpel Vasectomy) addresses one of the most frequently asked questions he hears from colleagues considering integrating vasectomy services into their practice: Is it worth the investment? Dr Selvarajan has been performing vasectomy procedures since 2007, after establishing the first no-scalpel vasectomy service in north-east England. He has since led clinics across the UK and now operates scalpel-free vasectomy clinics in Brisbane and Mackay. In this insightful episode, Dr Selvarajan covers: Why vasectomy is becoming more popular among GPs Typical costs for setting up a vasectomy service Average procedure fee and billing model How long it takes to break even Other benefits beyond revenue Common misconceptions What he wishes more GPs knew before offering vasectomy services

In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, Paul Elmslie (CEO & Founder of HealthCert Education) discusses skin cancer medicine with Dr Terry Harvey (Sunshine Coast Skin Cancer Centre, Queensland). Dr Terry Harvey is an Accredited Skin Cancer Doctor who completed his master's degree in skin cancer at The University of Queensland, and he is one of very few doctors worldwide to outperform the University of Vienna's DermaChallenge AI algorithm. This insightful podcast covers: Dr Harvey's background, what he does, and where he works. Why Dr Harvey chose to pursue a special interest in skin cancer medicine. The training Dr Harvey undertook to upskill himself in skin cancer. What he enjoys most about skin cancer work. How the skin cancer subspeciality compares to working in a GP practice.  Dr Harvey's advice for other GPs or GP Registrars who are considering pursuing a special interest in skin cancer. Top tips for getting started in skin cancer medicine.

In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, Paul Elmslie (CEO & Founder of HealthCert Education) talks with Skin Cancer Doctor John O'Bryen (owner of Body Scan Skin Cancer Clinic in Buderim, Queensland) about building a prosperous skin cancer practice. You may be interested to follow Dr O'Bryen's Instagram @skincancerdoctor, where he posts interesting dermoscopy cases which other doctors may learn from. The podcast covers: Dr John O'Bryen's background. Why he chose to pursue skin cancer as a special interest field. Education he undertook to expand his skillset in skin cancer. How his day-to-day work as a Skin Cancer Doctor compares to practising as a generalist, and what he enjoys about his work. How he came to buy his skin cancer clinic. Important factors to consider when purchasing a skin cancer clinic. Challenges he has faced in operating the clinic. How he balances patient care with the business and admin aspects of running a clinic. How his clinic stays up to date with advancements in skin cancer detection and treatment. Common pitfalls and mistakes he sees other clinic owners make (and that he has made himself) and how can they be avoided. Rewarding aspects of owning and operating a skin cancer clinic. Advice for doctors looking to start/buy their own skin cancer practice.

Did you know that more than 12 per cent of GP encounters in Australia are for mental health-related presentations? In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, Paul Elmslie (CEO & Founder of HealthCert Education) talks with Dr Joe Kosterich (GP, speaker, author, media presenter, and health industry consultant with a special interest in mental health) about the role of the general practitioner at the forefront of mental health management. In the podcast, Paul and Joe discuss: Common mental health conditions GPs encounter. The current mental health burden in Australia. The role of the GP in managing mental health issues in the primary care setting. The process for ensuring patients presenting for the first time with a mental health concern receive the right support, from initial consultation to ongoing care. How GPs collaborate with psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals. How telehealth has impacted mental health consultations, especially post-pandemic. The main challenges for patients in accessing mental health care. The biggest challenges for GPs when dealing with mental health presentations. Advice for GPs who would like to pursue a special interest in mental health.

In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, Paul Elmslie (CEO & Founder of HealthCert Education) talks with Kelly Chard (finance expert and founder of GrowthMD) to discuss the recent changes to payroll tax that impact medical practice owners in most Australian states. Paul and Kelly discuss: What has changed in payroll tax regulations for medical practices. How the changes impact practice owners. The anticipated flow-on effects for patients. Proactive measures and strategies to help practice owners manage the changes and minimise the impact on their business. Recommended resources and guidance for practices seeking comprehensive support in navigating GP payroll tax complexities.  Hear all this and much more in the full podcast below, and join us for the next episode when we deep-dive into the new payroll tax regulations on a state-by-state basis.

In this episode of the HealthCert GP Insights podcast, Paul Elmslie (HealthCert Education) talks about medical cannabis with Dr Joe Kosterich – exploring common myths and misconceptions, how cannabis can be used as medicine, and how doctors in Australia can get started prescribing medical cannabis to their patients. Paul Elmslie is the CEO and Founder of HealthCert Education. He is chatting with Dr Joe Kosterich – a GP, speaker, author, media presenter and health industry consultant who has a special interest in medical cannabis and is the Medical Advisor for Little Green Pharma. In the podcast, Paul and Joe explore: Myths and misconceptions surrounding medical cannabis. Conditions and symptoms medical cannabis can help manage. Potential risks and side effects associated with medical cannabis use. The difference between THC and CBD. How to determine appropriate dosages of medical cannabis for a patient. Safe methods of consumption. What doctors need to do if they want to start prescribing medical cannabis to their patients in Australia. Tips and advice for practitioners who are new to this field.

Tune into this new episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, in which Paul Elmslie (HealthCert Education) talks with Kelly Beasy (KB Aesthetix) about how to get started delivering cosmetic injectables, exploring Kelly's top tips for introducing the service into your practice. Paul Elmslie is the CEO and Founder of HealthCert Education. He is chatting with Kelly Beasy - a Nurse Practitioner and cosmetic medicine trainer at KB Aesthetix with 20 years of nursing experience and 10+ years' experience in the aesthetic industry. Learn more about KB Aesthetix. In the podcast, Kelly and Paul explore: What inspired Kelly to pursue cosmetic injectables as part of her own practice. The essential qualifications or certifications a practitioner requires to be able to perform cosmetic injectable treatments in Australia. The process of getting started with cosmetic injectables. Kelly's top tips for practitioners interested in adding cosmetic injectables to their service offering. Kelly's insights into building a successful practice centred around cosmetic injectables. Some of the common challenges, safety issues, or risks that a practitioner might face when starting to offer cosmetic injectables in their practice. How the rules and regulations surrounding cosmetic injectables have recently changed in Australia, and what this means for practitioners. How practitioners can stay up to date with advancements in techniques or changes to regulations. Insights into how practitioners can manage patient expectations and ensure they have a positive experience with cosmetic injectables. Kelly's advice for practitioners who are new to this field.

In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, Paul Elmslie (CEO & Founder of HealthCert Education) talks with Kelly Chard (finance expert and founder of GrowthMD) to provide the latest insights and offer valuable perspectives on the current challenges and real-life observations surrounding the changing landscape of payroll tax for doctors in Australia. Paul and Kelly discuss: Some background on payroll tax, how it is calculated and who pays it. Why payroll tax is currently a "hot topic". How payroll tax is impacting general practices in Australia. Potential consequences if practices don't get their affairs in order around payroll tax.

In this latest podcast, Kelly Beasy (KB Aesthetix) delves into the world of cosmetic injectables and discusses adverse events of anti-wrinkle injections and dermal filler treatments, exploring the essential steps to handle these situations effectively to ensure safe and informed practices.  In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, Paul Elmslie (CEO & Founder of HealthCert Education) talks about cosmetic injectables adverse events with Kelly Beasy. Kelly is a Nurse Practitioner and cosmetic medicine trainer at KB Aesthetix, with 20 years of nursing experience and 10+ years' experience in the aesthetic industry. Learn more about KB Aesthetix. In the podcast, Kelly and Paul explore: Common complications that doctors may encounter with cosmetic injectables, and how they can be prevented or minimised. Kelly's personal experiences encountering a complication from anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers and how she managed it effectively. General guidelines and key steps for doctors to follow when facing a potential vascular occlusion or other complications. Potential implications for doctors from a legal perspective if a complication arises from an injectables treatment, and how physicians can safeguard themselves from legal issues. The importance of documentation in the management of cosmetic injectables complications, and what doctors should include in their records to safeguard themselves and their patients. Best practices for aftercare following anti-wrinkle injections and dermal filler treatments, and how doctors can educate their patients to ensure proper post-treatment care. Strategies to effectively manage patient expectations prior to administering cosmetic injectables, and how doctors can ensure patients have realistic goals for their treatments. How to maintain open communication and maintain your reputation to ensure patients continue to trust your expertise and return for future treatments even after the unfortunate event of a complication. Kelly's advice for doctors who are new to the field to minimise the risk of complications and enhance patient satisfaction and safety in their practice.

In the second part of this two-part podcast series, Kelly Beasy (KB Aesthetix) discusses filler fatigue and its impact on patients' satisfaction and emotional well-being. In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, Paul Elmslie (CEO & Founder of HealthCert Education) talks with Kelly Beasy about filler fatigue. Kelly is a Nurse Practitioner and cosmetic medicine trainer at KB Aesthetix, with 20 years of nursing experience and 10+ years' experience in the aesthetic industry. Learn more about KB Aesthetix. This podcast is the second part of a two-part series. If you missed part one, catch up here: Filler fatigue (part 1): Navigating the overfilled face This episode focuses on the impact of filler fatigue on patients' satisfaction and emotional well-being, including the psychological aspects of aesthetic treatments; how overfilled facial features can lead to patient dissatisfaction; and techniques for managing patient expectations, providing realistic outcomes, and delivering aesthetically pleasing results that go beyond simply injecting more filler. In the podcast, Kelly and Paul explore: What "filler fatigue" is and why it is important to address this concern among patients. Commonness of overfilling in facial aesthetics procedures and the potential consequences for patients. How to manage patient expectations regarding the outcomes of dermal filler treatments. Risks and potential complications associated with overfilling facial features. Techniques injectors can use to assess patients' emotional readiness for dermal filler treatments. Long-term effects of overfilled facial features and how to prevent them. Facial features/areas that are more prone to filler fatigue and how to handle these areas effectively. The role of facial symmetry and balance in achieving satisfactory results. Kelly's advice for fellow injectors to ensure patient satisfaction and emotional well-being while minimising filler fatigue.

In part one of this two-part podcast series, Kelly Beasy (KB Aesthetix) discusses filler fatigue, focusing on how to navigate the overfilled face and exploring effective strategies for correcting and preventing overfilling. In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, Paul Elmslie (CEO & Founder of HealthCert Education) talks with Kelly Beasy about filler fatigue. Kelly is a Nurse Practitioner and cosmetic medicine trainer at KB Aesthetix, with 20 years of nursing experience and 10+ years' experience in the aesthetic industry. Learn more about KB Aesthetix. This podcast is the first part of a two-part series. This episode focuses on the causes and consequences of overfilling facial features with dermal fillers. Kelly discusses the importance of achieving natural-looking results and provides insights into identifying signs of overfilling. She also shares her expertise on corrective techniques and prevention strategies to help other doctors avoid overfilling in their own practices. In the podcast, Kelly and Paul explore: The causes of overfilling when using dermal fillers in facial treatments. How to recognise the signs of overfilling in your patients' facial features. Effective corrective techniques for addressing overfilled facial features. Specific facial areas that are more prone to overfilling, and why. Potential long-term effects of overfilling with dermal fillers. Patient demographics and characteristics that require extra caution. Guidance on the appropriate amount and frequency of touch-ups to avoid overfilling. Techniques and injection methods that can help prevent overfilling. Warning signs that doctors should be aware of during and after the injection process that may indicate overfilling. Valuable lessons about correcting and preventing overfilling.

This is part two of a short podcast series on medical business management, with this part focusing on data compliance, privacy, challenges, and more.  In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, Paul Elmslie (CEO & Founder of HealthCert Education) talks with Chris Smeed, co-creator and CEO of Cubiko, a medical practice platform that provides insights and analysis into all practice data and helps identify areas to improve profitability and efficiency in your practice. Missed part one? Catch up here. In part two of this podcast series on how to identify and work towards key benchmarks and metrics for a successful general practice, Paul and Chris discuss: Specific challenges and barriers that general practices face when it comes to utilising data for practice improvement. How data can be used in a way that helps a medical practice keep track of patients and ensure they are being seen or followed up when they need to be. How general practitioners can leverage benchmarking data to compare their practice's performance against industry standards. Regulatory or compliance requirements that general practices need to consider when it comes to data collection and analysis. How general practitioners can ensure the privacy and security of patient data while still using it to drive practice improvements. Effective strategies for integrating data-driven decision-making into the day-to-day operations of a general practice.

In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, Paul Elmslie (CEO & Founder of HealthCert Education) talks with Kelly Beasy about the different neurotoxins available in the market. Kelly is a Nurse Practitioner and cosmetic medicine trainer at KB Aesthetix, with 20 years of nursing experience and 10+ years' experience in the aesthetic industry. Learn more about KB Aesthetix. In the podcast, Kelly and Paul explore: The key differences between the four injectables products in terms of their composition and mechanism of action. How these anti-wrinkle injectables differ in terms of onset and duration of action. "Tox tips": Recommended injection techniques for achieving optimal results. Patient factors that may influence the choice of one anti-wrinkle injectable over another. Common side effects and adverse reactions associated with these injectables, and how they can be managed. Recommended dosing and dilution. Special considerations for using the four product types in combination with other aesthetic treatments and procedures. Different dermal filler types, including main players in the market and what product type to use for treating different areas. Emerging trends and advancements in the field of anti-wrinkle injectables and fillers that doctors should be aware of. How to approach patient consultation and assessment to determine the most suitable injectables product for their needs. Patient case studies using a combination of injectables and filler. Anatomical areas and facial features where one injectable may be more effective than the others. Potential future directions and areas of research in injectables. Kelly's tips and advice for doctors on how to enhance their skills and proficiency in using anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers.

In the first episode of a short series on HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, Paul Elmslie and Matt Woollard discuss: The key components of effective practice management in a skin cancer clinic or general practice. This includes how to schedule appointments efficiently, how to streamline patient flow, how to optimise resource allocation, and how to keep comprehensive records. How to ensure a seamless patient experience while maintaining efficiency in a clinic setting. This includes the importance of prioritising clear communication, minimising wait times, providing easy access to information, and focusing on personalised care. Key challenges you might face in managing a practice and how to overcome them. Challenges can include managing high patient volumes, handling complex cases, and maintaining regulatory compliance. Paul and Matt discuss strategies to address these common challenges, such as implementing standardised processes, leveraging technology, and continuously training staff. How to effectively utilise technology to improve practice management in a medical clinic. This includes adopting electronic health records for streamlined documentation, implementing appointment scheduling software, and leveraging telehealth services for enhanced patient access.

In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, Paul Elmslie (CEO & Founder of HealthCert Education) talks with Chris Smeed, co-creator and CEO of Cubiko, a medical practice platform that provides insights and analysis into all practice data and helps identify areas to improve profitability and efficiency in your practice. In part one of this podcast series on how to identify and work towards key benchmarks and metrics for a successful general practice, Paul and Chris discuss: An overview of the current benchmarks and industry trends that are affecting general practice. The key metrics that general practices should track in order to measure their performance and success. How practice owners and managers can effectively communicate to their team the impact data can have on patient outcomes.

In this latest podcast, Kelly Beasy (KB Aesthetics) talks about Profhilo®, the new injectable treatment that uses hyaluronic acid to improve the appearance of the skin by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, Paul Elmslie (CEO & Founder of HealthCert Education) talks about Profhilo® with Kelly Beasy. Kelly is a Nurse Practitioner and cosmetic medicine trainer at KB Aesthetics, with 20 years of nursing experience and 10+ years' experience in the aesthetic industry. Learn more about KB Aesthetics. In the podcast, Kelly and Paul explore: What Profhilo® is and how it works as a bio-remodelling treatment. How Profhilo® differs from other cosmetic injectable treatments. The process of administering Profhilo® to patients. The benefits of Profhilo® for patients seeking cosmetic enhancements. Specific areas of the face and body where Profhilo® is most commonly used. When patients can usually see results following treatment with Profhilo®, how long the effects last, and how to prolong them. Potential side effects and risks associated with Profhilo® treatment. The criteria for determining if a patient is a suitable candidate for Profhilo®. Contraindications and precautions that doctors should be aware of before administering Profhilo® to their patients. How Profhilo® can be combined with other cosmetic treatments and procedures for enhanced results. Downtime and recovery period required after receiving Profhilo® injections. Aftercare instructions and recommendations for patients post-treatment. How the cost of Profhilo® compares to other injectable treatments in the market. The typical patient experience during a Profhilo® treatment session. Success stories of patients who have undergone Profhilo® treatment. Challenging cases and scenarios Kelly has encountered while administering Profhilo®, and how she addressed them. How to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and techniques related to Profhilo® and cosmetic medicine in general. Kelly's advice and recommendations for fellow doctors interested in incorporating Profhilo® into their cosmetic medicine practices.

In this latest podcast, Dr Helena Rosengren provides her practical advice on how to deliver a cosmetic consultation and tailor your considerations for different skin concerns and age groups. In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, we talk about delivering cosmetic consultations with Dr Helena Rosengren, an experienced Skin Cancer and Cosmetic Medicine Physician based in Townsville. In the podcast, Dr Rosengren discusses: The process of a cosmetic consultation and how it differs from a regular medical consultation. Specific skin concerns that are more common in certain age groups and how she addresses these concerns. How she communicates with patients during a cosmetic consultation to ensure their expectations are aligned with the treatment plan. Challenges you might encounter when dealing with patients who have specific skin concerns, such as acne or rosacea. Advice for doctors starting out in cosmetic medicine in regards to developing consultation skills. How to approach the issue of patient safety during a cosmetic consultation, and what steps you can take to ensure the patient is a good candidate for the treatment. Examples of particularly challenging cosmetic consultations she has dealt with and how she addressed the patient's concerns. How to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in cosmetic medicine, and how to incorporate this knowledge into your consultations.

Are you prepared to navigate the upcoming changes to payroll tax for medical practices? In this latest podcast, Paul Elmslie (Founder & CEO, HealthCert Education and National Skin Cancer Centres) and Matt Woollard (COO, National Skin Cancer Centres) discuss the proposed changes and share a few tips to possibly safeguard your practice. In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, Paul Elmslie and Matt Woollard talk about the upcoming changes to payroll tax for medical practices and discuss how they are attempting to weather these changes. Paul and Matt draw on their own experiences from having owned and operated 40+ medical clinics in Australia over the past few decades. The various State Revenue Offices are taking a view that doctors are now seen as employees rather than sub-contractors, which would mean that the medical practices in which they work must pay payroll tax. The percentage varies between states, but in many states this means an additional cost of 5 per cent. The State Revenue Office can back-date this tax by five years and apply penalties for unpaid taxes. This presents a significant risk to the general practice industry. In the podcast, Paul and Matt talk about defining the relationship between the medical practice and the doctor, and the body of evidence supporting that doctors are sub-contractors rather than employees. Matt discusses some of the strategies he has put in place for the National Skin Cancer Centres to put the clinics in an optimal position to potentially weather changes to payroll tax regulations. For example: The doctor bills the patient and provides the medical practice with a service fee once per fortnight. The medical practice never includes the doctors' income as an expense on financial statements. Agreements are in place that the doctor pays the medical practice for the use of their facilities. The doctors set their own fees and close off their appointment books when they don't want to see patients (in lieu of annual leave). The doctors have complete autonomy to bill, consult and treat patients however they choose.

How can you keep up with patient demand in your medical practice and better meet your patients' expectations? In this latest podcast, Paul Elmslie (Founder & CEO, HealthCert Education and National Skin Cancer Centres) and Matt Woollard (COO, National Skin Cancer Centres) give their practical advice for keeping up with patient demand and changing perceptions and preferences, based on their own experiences owning and operating 40+ general practices and skin cancer clinics in Australia. In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, Paul Elmslie and Matt Woollard talk about how you can keep up with patient demand and changing perceptions and expectations in your medical practice. The recent CommBank Health GP Insights Report 2023 highlighted interesting trends about the current and emerging landscape for medical practices in 2023 and beyond. This podcast is part 3 of 3 episodes focusing on relevant findings in that report. Paul and Matt have owned and operated 40+ medical clinics in Australia over the past few decades, and here they discuss some of what they have learned. Keeping up with patient demand In the podcast, Matt says, “Without realistically increasing the number of doctor hours you have in your practice, the only way to keep up with increased patient demand is through workplace efficiencies or changing your workflow to allow you to be able to treat or manage more patients in the same amount of time without putting patient safety at risk. “A nurse can help increase the doctor's productivity. You might work with a nurse and a tag-team environment where you triage patients and work across maybe two or three different consultation rooms. “You might also look at what tasks a doctor is doing that could be moved on to a nurse. I think there's a lot of opportunities inside general practice to really streamline how a general practice runs so that a practice can keep up with demand without increasing the number of doctors they have for that demand.” Optimising practice productivity Utilising availably technologies is a great way to minimise the amount of “human work” required from your clinic, thereby reducing workload, speeding up workflow, and optimising efficiency. An example of this includes using online booking systems, as more patients doing online bookings equals less phone calls at the front desk, allowing the staff to focus on serving the patients that are in front of them. Another example is online registration forms so that patients can complete their personal information before they even arrive at the practice for their appointment. In addition, there is software available that can automatically send patients' results to them so that they don't need to be recalled back into the clinic to get their results. Matt suggests that doctors should sit down and look at the tasks they are doing every day “that are a waste of your training and experience” that could be done by somebody else so that the doctor is freed up to spend more time seeing patients. It's also important to ask whether any steps could be cut out of a process to make it faster. Managing patients' changing perceptions and expectations In the second half of the podcast, Paul and Matt take an in-depth look at some of the most common patient expectations that medical clinics should strive to meet in order to satisfy their patients' changing needs and wants. They also discuss the impact of social media and Google reviews and how patients' experiences influence their word-of-mouth referrals and public feedback, and much more.  

How can you attract and retain the right staff for your medical practice? In this latest podcast, Paul Elmslie (Founder & CEO, HealthCert Education and National Skin Cancer Centres) and Matt Woollard (COO, National Skin Cancer Centres) give their practical advice for hiring staff for your clinic, based on their own experiences owning and operating 40+ general practices and skin cancer clinics in Australia. In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, Paul Elmslie and Matt Woollard talk about how to attract and retain the right staff in your medical practice. The recent CommBank Health GP Insights Report 2023 highlighted interesting trends about the current and emerging landscape for medical practices in 2023 and beyond. This podcast is part 2 of 3 episodes focusing on relevant findings in that report. Paul and Matt have owned and operated 40+ medical clinics in Australia over the past few decades, and here they discuss some of what they have learned. Matt further recommends some job posting boards and advertising channels that he finds most effective for finding the right candidates for a job opening. In terms of being an attractive employer, Paul says it's important to manage staff expectations. For example, many staff are looking for flexibility in their roles these days so they can find a work-life balance, so it's good to do what you can to accommodate their specific needs. The podcast then moves on to discuss how to optimise onboarding of a newly recruited staff member at your clinic. Paul and Matt stress it's important to have a structured onboarding process for new staff, and an effective, detailed training program and resources so they have the best chance of success. Further, the podcast looks at how you can support and celebrate your staff with recognition and validation during their time with you.

Explore how to build a sustainable billing structure in a medical practice – with a focus on managing the cost of the business and taking advantage of opportunities to grow revenue – in this latest podcast with Paul Elmslie (Founder & CEO, HealthCert Education and National Skin Cancer Centres) and Matt Woollard (COO, National Skin Cancer Centres), who discuss their own experiences owning and operating 40+ general practices and skin cancer clinics in Australia. In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, Paul Elmslie and Matt Woollard talk about building a sustainable billing structure for a medical practice. The recent CommBank Health GP Insights Report 2023 highlighted interesting trends about the current and emerging landscape for medical practices in 2023 and beyond. This podcast is part 1 of 3 episodes focusing on relevant findings in that report. Paul and Matt have owned and operated 40+ medical clinics in Australia over the past few decades, and here they discuss some of what they have learned. In the podcast, Paul and Matt look into the costs of running a medical business and explore opportunities to grow revenue, based on their own experiences. Costs of running a medical business The fixed costs of running a medical clinic (such as the rent, electricity, phone and internet, etc.) are usually difficult to change. However, two substantial costs of running a medical clinic that can be adjusted are wages and consumables. Matt says that you can reduce the cost of wages while still paying your staff appropriately by maximising staff efficiency. (For example, you might investigate whether the front desk can be managed by two staff instead of three on certain days.) As wages are the greatest cost to a business, Matt recommends looking at wages monthly to determine your wage costs as a percentage of your service fee to get a better idea of how you are tracking. In addition, Matt recommends doing a complete review of all your clinic's consumables. You can look at what you're using, what your doctors prefer to use, and what's affordable, and tighten down your list to a much smaller list of products. This gives you the opportunity to get a competitive quote, standardise and bulk buy your consumables, and makes stock-take simpler. Opportunities to grow revenue You need to earn more money than you spend in order to build a sustainable practice, and sometimes this means increasing your billing to better support the practice and maintain the services your provide. Paul says that if you are a bulk-billing clinic looking to move into private billing, it's important to introduce this in small steps. (For example, starting out with only a small out-of-pocket fee and then gradually increasing this to where it needs to be.) If you're going to change what you're charging, you need to ensure your staff are trained to have those conversations with patients on the frontline so there are no breakdowns in communication. Paul and Matt further discuss the pros and cons of bulk-billing and the current landscape for Medicare rebates.

In this latest podcast, Dr Helena Rosengren provides her practical advice for performing lip filler treatments, with a focus on achieving subtle and natural-looking results, managing patient expectations, dealing with potential complications, and more. In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, we talk about lip filler with Dr Helena Rosengren, an experienced Skin Cancer and Cosmetic Medicine Physician based in Townsville. In the podcast, Dr Rosengren discusses: What lip filler products are made from and how they work. Which patient demographics typically seek lip filler treatments, and what kind of concerns patients are hoping to address. Patients she avoids treating with lip filler. How to plan out lip filler treatment, including what's involved in the initial consultation and the planning process. Top tips for helping practitioners achieve a natural and subtle look rather than the dreaded “duck lips” look. How she deals with patients wanting more lip filler against her recommendations, including how she addresses these concerns and manages patient expectations. Adverse events a practitioner should be aware of before performing lip fillers on a patient. How to manage potential complications with lip filler treatments. Advice for practitioners interested in starting out offering lip fillers, and how can they get started. The challenges a practitioner might encounter when they start out offering lip fillers, and her advice for overcoming those challenges.

Did you know hair loss affects more than 50 per cent of Australian men? If you see patients with hair loss in your practice, listen to this latest podcast with Dr Helena Rosengren on the primary care management of hair loss, including treatment with supplements, topical creams, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, and more. In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, we talk about hair loss with Dr Helena Rosengren, an experienced Skin Cancer and Cosmetic Medicine Physician based in Townsville. In the podcast, Dr Rosengren explores the sorts of hair loss and hair thinning concerns she sees in her primary care practice and explains who these conditions typically affect. She discusses the different types of hair loss and their causes, which of course affect the clinician's approach to management. Dr Rosengren talks about the primary care treatments available for hair loss and how they work (including supplements, topical creams, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, and more), plus which patients are the best candidates for these treatments and which patients aren't typically suitable. The podcast looks into hair loss treatments a GP can realistically expect to incorporate into their primary care practice and what sort of training and equipment they would require in order to get started. Dr Rosengren also gives practical advice on the risks and limitations involved with hair loss treatments and when to refer a patient onwards to a specialist dermatologist.

How does skin cancer detection vary in different age groups and among patients with different skin types? In this podcast, Paul Elmslie (Founder & CEO, HealthCert Education and National Skin Cancer Centres) speaks with Dr Kerry Summerscales (National Skin Cancer Centres) about screening for skin cancer in different ages and skin types. Dr Kerry Summerscales is a doctor at CQ Skin Cancer Centre in Mackay, Queensland, who diagnoses and treats skin cancer every day. In this podcast, she talks about her personal experiences with screening patients of all ages and skin types for skin malignancies and offers her practical advice on how not to miss a melanoma. Dr Summerscales speaks about how she approaches patients of different age groups – from children to adults to the elderly – when screening for skin cancer, including the different risk factors that each of these population groups may hold. She says that skin checks can be an ideal opportunity to teach children about body autonomy and to help them to understand their own skin from a young age. She talks about checking for skin cancers in young people, including teenagers and those in their 20s, with a particular focus on melanoma, as this is the most common cancer in Australians aged 15 to 39 – with real patient stories. She discusses how she determines a patient's individual skin cancer risk and sunburn history, and her systematic approach for conducting skin cancer checks across the entire skin surface. Dr Summerscales discusses how she helps patients of all ages to feel comfortable and at ease during the skin exam and some of the questions she asks her patients to get a better understanding of their skin history, skin cancer risk, and what's brought them into her clinic that day. She also talks about skin cancer screening in older Australians aged 65+ who are at highest risk of non-melanoma skin cancers.

Do you see patients seeking cosmetic mole removal in your practice? In this latest podcast, listen to Dr Helena Rosengren's practical tips for performing mole removal procedures, covering patient suitability, how to conduct a preliminary lesion assessment, necessary tools and training, and more. In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, we talk about mole removal with Dr Helena Rosengren, an experienced Skin Cancer and Cosmetic Medicine Physician based in Townsville. In the podcast, Dr Rosengren explains the prevalence of mole removal procedures in her primary care practice and why some patients want benign moles, skin tags, and other lesions removed from their skin. Dr Rosengren talks about which patients are the ideal candidates for mole removal procedures, and takes us through her step-by-step process for consulting with patients seeking mole removal, including the vital importance of first conducting an assessment of the lesion for signs of malignancy. She explains why all moles must be carefully checked with dermoscopy before any removal procedure is carried out, as it can be very dangerous to remove a malignant lesion without appropriate diagnosis and surgical margins. Dr Rosengren discusses the tools and methods for mole removal that you can realistically use in primary care, including radio ablation. She explores the benefits of radio ablation for mole removal and how it compares to other approaches such as excision. She further looks into the risks, side effects, downtime, and expected results, including scarring. The podcast further explores the kind of equipment and training that a primary care practitioner would need to carry out mole removal services in their practice, and how they might get started.

Do you see patients with skin cancer concerns in your practice? In this podcast, Paul Elmslie (Founder & CEO, HealthCert Education and National Skin Cancer Centres) speaks with Matt Woollard (COO, National Skin Cancer Centres) about the recent changes to Medicare item numbers for clinically suspected melanoma. New Medicare item numbers have been introduced for the surgical excision and repair of clinically suspected melanoma. In this podcast, Matt Woollard provides a comprehensive update on the new item numbers that came into effect on 1 November 2022. Seven new MBS items have been created for initial excision of clinically suspected melanoma and amendments have been made to the item descriptors for the existing definitive excision items to resolve confusion around the claiming of melanoma excision services. These changes are relevant for dermatologists, plastic surgeons, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, general surgeons, skin cancer doctors and general practitioners practising in Australia.  

How can you get started providing thread lifts in primary care? In this latest podcast, listen to Dr Helena Rosengren's expert advice on how thread lifts can be used to address your patients' cosmetic concerns in the primary care setting, and how you can begin to include this treatment in your service offering. In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, we talk about thread lifts with Dr Helena Rosengren, an experienced Skin Cancer and Cosmetic Medicine Physician based in Townsville. In the podcast, Dr Rosengren explains what thread lifts are and how they work, including the cosmetic concerns thread lifts can address for your patients. She highlights the areas of the body that can be treated with thread lifts, which patients are the best candidates for the procedure, and the treatment limitations. The podcast also compares thread lifts with other aesthetic treatments, such as cosmetic surgery, outlining the benefits and risks of both. Dr Rosengren further discusses how a medical practitioner can get started providing thread lifts in their practice, including the necessary training and equipment, with her top tips for introducing thread lifts as a service offering in a medical clinic.

In this podcast, Paul Elmslie (Founder & CEO, HealthCert Education and National Skin Cancer Centres) speaks with Narelle Davidson (Area Manager at National Skin Cancer Centres) about how to elevate the quality improvement strategies in your general practice to improve patient outcomes and deliver the best possible medical care. In the podcast, Narelle and Paul discuss software, services and training to improve the quality of your GP practice and services to ensure patients' needs are met and their expectations are exceeded. “I think there's been a general consensus within general practice that quality improvement activities are simply an admin task, simply a a tick box that we use to ensure that the clinic can be accredited and ensuring all of the paperwork in the clinic is up,” says Narelle. “I think what's important to note is that that's not exactly the case. Quality improvement activities can mean anything within a practice. It can mean bettering the care level that we give to our patients, bettering the processes so that we're able to deliver better care to a patient. “We need to be looking at what that means for a general practitioner in treating their patients, making sure that what they're doing within their own practice as an independent practitioner is quality improvement. “Quality improvement is every aspect of the business, not just the admin side.” Narelle has 26 years' experience in general practice business and practice management and currently manages a dozen skin cancer clinic across Australia.

How can cosmeceuticals help to enhance your patients' skin health when used in combination with medical skin treatments? In this latest podcast, Professor David Wilkinson (Chief Medical Officer, National Skin Cancer Centres) speaks with Tania Romano (Scientific and Education Communications Manager, Head of Medical, SkinCeuticals) about how skin cancer doctors, GPs and other physicians can use topical skincare products as part of their medical and cosmetic medicine toolkit. In the podcast, Prof Wilkinson and Tania discuss why maintenance with topical skincare is so important for patients. They discuss the types of skin concerns physicians can manage with cosmeceuticals, as well as how topical products can be used in conjunction with aesthetic procedures to enhance or prolong results. The podcast covers the effects and benefits of cosmeceuticals and why they are a useful component in a primary care physician's toolkit as part of an overall treatment plan. The limitations are explained, as well as things to be aware of before you begin prescribing these products in your practice.  

CPD accreditation is changing for doctors from 2023. In this podcast, Paul Elmslie (Founder & CEO, HealthCert Education) and Prof David Wilkinson (Chief Medical Officer, National Skin Cancer Centres) explain the upcoming changes and what doctors need to do to prepare. How is CPD changing? In the podcast, Paul and Prof Wilkinson explain how from January 2023 all doctors practising in Australia will be required to complete CPD on an annual basis rather than within a triennium. CPD will shift to hours instead of points. Each year, all doctors must complete 50 hours of CPD activities, consisting of: Minimum 12½ hours education Minimum 5 hours performance review Minimum 5 hours outcome measurement All doctors must meet these requirements, regardless of hours worked. A transition period will take place in 2023. About 5% of doctors will be audited. The purpose of these changes is to place a greater emphasis on measuring clinical outcomes in the practice. What is a CPD Home? All doctors must meet these requirements, regardless of hours worked. A transition period will take place in 2023. About 5% of doctors will be audited. The purpose of these changes is to place a greater emphasis on measuring clinical outcomes in the practice. From 2024, it will be compulsory for all doctors to belong to a CPD Home, where their CPD hours and annual activities are collated. There will be various CPD Home providers, including HealthCert Education, and doctors can belong to more than one provider. What do doctors need to do from 2023? Listen to the podcast to understand what you need to do to be ready for the new system when it commences in a few months' time.  

In this episode of HealthCert's GP Insights podcast, we talk about acne management with Dr Helena Rosengren, an experienced Skin Cancer and Cosmetic Medicine Physician based in Townsville. In the podcast, Dr Rosengren talks about patients she typically sees presenting with acne to her primary care clinic, including the kinds of concerns these patients have. She explains how she conducts a preliminary acne consultation, and how to determine the cause of the acne. Dr Rosengren further describes the treatment options primary care physicians can offer for their patients with severe acne , and when to refer patients onwards to a specialist dermatologist for acne management. The podcast also explores what to do when a standard treatment regimen is not working, and how to deal with challenging aspects of managing acne in primary care. Dr Rosengren shares success stories from her own practice and offers practical advice for practitioners interested in introducing primary care dermatology to their practice.