Tuesday, 11 August 2026
Prostate cancer detection guidelines, Bulk-billing rates hit 84.1%, RACGP opposes pharmacist prescribing model
- 01
RACGP endorses updated prostate cancer detection guidelines
The RACGP has endorsed updated guidelines for early detection of clinically significant prostate cancer, marking the first major update in a decade. The guidelines, developed by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, highlight the importance of informed consent and recommend active surveillance for low-risk cases. They identify specific high-risk groups, including men over 45 with a significant family history or certain genetic markers. Federal Government funding will support GPs in discussing testing options with patients, aiming to improve decision-making regarding prostate cancer screening.
via RACGP newsGP
- 02
Bulk-billing rates rise to 84.1% across Australia
Bulk-billing rates in Australia have increased to 84.1%, up from 79.2% a year earlier, according to new data. The Northern Territory reported the highest rate at 90.8%, with a significant increase of 13 percentage points. New South Wales and Victoria followed with rates of 87.5% and 85.7%, respectively. The rise in bulk-billing rates aligns with the Federal Government's recent $8.5 billion Medicare reform, although RACGP President Dr Michael Wright emphasised the need for increased Medicare rebates to ensure equitable access for all patients.
via RACGP newsGP · also covered by The Medical Republic
- 03
RACGP opposes pharmacist prescribing model over safety concerns
The RACGP has expressed strong opposition to the Pharmacy Board of Australia's proposed general endorsement for pharmacist prescribing, citing insufficient system-level safeguards for patient safety. The college supports limited prescribing of Schedule 2, 3, and 4 medicines but warns that including Schedule 8 would be unjustified. Key concerns include the lack of shared records, follow-up, and accountability, which could lead to missed diagnoses and increased healthcare costs. The RACGP's submission highlights the need for collaborative prescribing models and greater oversight to ensure safe medication management.
- 04
Omalizumab outperforms oral immunotherapy for multifood allergy
Research indicates that omalizumab, an anti-immunoglobulin E monoclonal antibody, is more effective than multiallergen oral immunotherapy (MOIT) for treating multifood allergies. In a study involving 117 participants aged one to 55, those receiving omalizumab and placebo MOIT had a 2.6-fold greater chance of achieving the primary outcome compared to those receiving omalizumab with active MOIT. Adverse events were reported at similar rates between the two groups, but serious adverse events were more common in the MOIT group. The findings suggest that while both treatments are viable, omalizumab may offer a more favourable risk-benefit profile.
- 05
Heart Foundation updates obesity and CVD management guidelines
The Heart Foundation has released a clinical consensus statement that shifts the approach to managing obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Australia. Recognising obesity as a chronic condition, the guidance emphasises the need for healthcare professionals to integrate obesity management into CVD care, addressing its role as a major risk factor. The statement advocates for the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, alongside traditional strategies, to improve patient outcomes. It also highlights the importance of assessing weight using measures beyond body mass index and provides practical tools for clinicians.
- 06
Cholesterol-related deaths decline significantly in Australia
The Global Burden of Disease study found a notable decrease in cholesterol-related morbidity and mortality in Australia over the past 30 years. Deaths attributable to elevated LDL-C levels fell from 15,259 in 1990 to 9,380 in 2023, marking a 38.5% reduction. The age-standardised death rate also declined by 79.2%, from 82.1 to 17.0 per 100,000 people. Despite these improvements, the study highlighted ongoing challenges, including rising absolute burdens due to population growth and aging, particularly in low- and middle-SDI settings.
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.