10 October 2023 – 13 October 2023
Tuesday 10 October
Pre Conference Workshop
| 14:30 – 15:15 | Workshop A | Workshop B | Workshop C |
Healthcare landscapes and overcoming the threat of disruptors | Accreditation Audits and Data Cleansing Recording quality data, and regularly performing data cleansing activities in your database is vital in your practice, particularly if you participate in any programs like RACGP accreditation, NKPI reporting or Practice Incentive Programs. In this workshop, Best Practice Software will explore several ways to identify any data that is not sufficient for these reporting purposes and focus on how to rectify this, as well as prevent it from being re-entered in the future. For your chance to win some exceptional prizes, join us at our workshop for the opportunity to take a spin on our Wheel of Fortune. Presenter: Sarah Mortensen | Best Practice Software Location: Hall B | What’s happening now, next and later in PracticeHub For over 10 years PracticeHub has been supporting medical practices in developing and using systems to support quality practice management processes, with the online platform and expertly written content. In 2022, PracticeHub embarked on a large program of work to refresh and improve the platform to give all users a better experience. We encourage PracticeHub customers to join us for an interactive session where we’ll share details about what we’re working on now, and over the next 12 months. This workshop includes a showcase of the latest new and improved features available now and delegates will be able to preview and provide feedback on upcoming initiatives. Following the showcase, we’ll show you how PracticeHub helps you to wholistically perform key activities including : keeping content current, onboarding new starters, managing cold chain and using learning courses to support compliance, to support the whole team to perform their roles confidently and consistently, streamline your operations and reduce risk to your business. Presenter: Vanessa Law and Anna-Maria Gibb | PracticeHub Location: Hall C | |
| 15:15 – 15:30 | Afternoon Tea + Networking | Foyer AB | |
| 15:30 – 16:30 | Workshop A (continued) | Workshop B (continued) | Workshop C (continued) |
| Healthcare landscapes and overcoming the threat of disruptors Join us while we take stock and look at all the changes that have occurred over past three years, and how the wider landscape of healthcare innovations can help inform for new models of care. In this session you’ll gain: • Insights on the fast pace of change in healthcare technology. • Understanding and demystifying industry disruptors – how the latest innovations can be applied to general and specialist practice, to provide greater continuity of care for patients. • Ideas and simple ways to go beyond traditional models of care, to enable new ways of working, workforce efficiencies and greater flexibility for practice managers. • A sneak peak into the big plans MedicalDirector and Telstra Health are unveiling, which are unlocking interoperability across healthcare ecosystems. Presenter: Louise Ryves | Medical Director Location: Hall A | Accreditation Audits and Data Cleansing Recording quality data, and regularly performing data cleansing activities in your database is vital in your practice, particularly if you participate in any programs like RACGP accreditation, NKPI reporting or Practice Incentive Programs. In this workshop, Best Practice Software will explore several ways to identify any data that is not sufficient for these reporting purposes and focus on how to rectify this, as well as prevent it from being re-entered in the future. For your chance to win some exceptional prizes, join us at our workshop for the opportunity to take a spin on our Wheel of Fortune. Presenter: Sarah Mortensen | Best Practice Software Location: Hall B | What’s happening now, next and later in PracticeHub For over 10 years PracticeHub has been supporting medical practices in developing and using systems to support quality practice management processes, with the online platform and expertly written content. In 2022, PracticeHub embarked on a large program of work to refresh and improve the platform to give all users a better experience. We encourage PracticeHub customers to join us for an interactive session where we’ll share details about what we’re working on now, and over the next 12 months. This workshop includes a showcase of the latest new and improved features available now and delegates will be able to preview and provide feedback on upcoming initiatives. Following the showcase, we’ll show you how PracticeHub helps you to wholistically perform key activities including : keeping content current, onboarding new starters, managing cold chain and using learning courses to support compliance, to support the whole team to perform their roles confidently and consistently, streamline your operations and reduce risk to your business. Presenter: Vanessa Law and Anna-Maria Gibb | PracticeHub Location: Hall C | |
| 17:00 – 19:00 | Official Welcome Drinks | Exhibition Hall | |
Wednesday 11 October
| DAY 1 | Session Title | Venue | |
| 07:00 – 17:00 | Registration Desk Opens | ||
| 8:30 | Plenary Doors Open | ||
| 08:45 – 09:15 | Official Conference Opening | Plenary Hall | |
| MC welcome Welcome to Country Welcome officials and dignitaries Welcome to Life Members, Fellows and First Time delegates Opening Address from The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care | |||
| 09:15 – 10:15 | Plenary Session | Plenary Hall | |
MyMedicare The Australian Government has introduced MyMedicare, a voluntary patient registration model that aims to formalise the relationship between patients, their general practice, general practitioner (GP) and primary care teams. Presented by: | |||
| 10:15 – 10:30 | 2023 AAPM Practice Manager of the Year + 2023 Scholarship Announcements + Award Presentations | Plenary Hall | |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Morning Tea + Networking | Exhibition Hall | |
| 11:00 – 11:45 | Concurrent Session 1 | ||
Finance: Back to Basics How to Write a Budget • Understanding the budgeting process Presented by: Stuart Chan | Cutcher & Neale Audience: Emerging Location: Hall A | The Culture Club – Looking Out For Each Other • Key business risk: losing valuable human resources Presented by: Megan Sheldon | MIGA Audience: Core Location: Plenary Hall | Using Patient Experience Data to Improve Your Practice In this session you will learn more about how patient engagement and feedback can be used to drive continuous quality improvement (CQI), including creating a shift in mindset to embrace CQI and partner with patients through the quality improvement journey. Through sharing of real case examples, this session will provide helpful tips and tricks on how you can use Practice Accreditation & Improvement Survey (PAIS), Patient Reported Experience Measures (PREMs), critical friends group and quality improvement teams (that include patients) to: improve your practice; create enhanced health outcomes; and embed a patient-centric practice that fosters patient loyalty, referrals and success Presented by: Dr Tina Janamian | AGPAL & QIP Audience: Masterclass Location: Hall B | |
| 11:45 – 11:50 | Room change | ||
| 11:50 – 12:35 | Concurrent Session 2 | ||
Performance Management – How to be emotionally grounded before a difficult conversation with staff People management can be one of the hardest and most time-consuming parts of a manager’s role in private practice. Preparing yourself to be both foundationally and emotionally grounded during the performance management process can be the difference between a positive outcome or a potential claim against the people and the practice. Join George Sotiris, Director of Health Industry Employment Services, as he takes attendees through the common issues managers are faced with as he provides proven strategies that simplify performance management. Presented by: George Sotiris | Health Industry Employment Services Audience: Emerging Location: Hall A | When Boundaries are Blurred in the Workplace • What does bullying or harassment look like in a medical practice setting? Presented by: Megan Sheldon | MIGA Audience: Core Location: Plenary Hall | Managing change to your practice “flow of funds” in the era of Payroll Tax and MyMedicare • Changing payment flows in your practice can be painful – this session is about minimising that pain. Presented by: Marcus Wilson | Surgical Partners Audience: Masterclass Location: Hall B | |
| 12:35 – 13:15 | Lunch + Networking | Exhibition Hall | |
| 13:15 – 14:00 | Concurrent Session 3 | ||
Leadership and Internal Relationships In this session we will explore the complex and varied role of the Practice Manager and the important relationships which need to be established and maintained to successfully fulfil the role. With a focus on internal relationships, we will examine why some relationships work and others falter and provide stratefies for addressing the overcoming workplace disharmony. Presented by: Sophie Piron and Deb Walter | Practice Managers Audience: Emerging Location: Hall A | Tax Update and Current Issues for Practice and Practice Managers • An overview on the latest Tax matters impacting practice managers Presented by: Stuart Chan | Cutcher & Neale Audience: Core Location: Plenary Hall | Master the Process of Diagnosing Workplace Issues: A Case Study Approach & Workshop Join HIES for an interactive workshop where we will breakdown real life case studies to enable you to master the process of diagnosing workplace issues, understanding risks, identify next steps and appropriate course of action. At the end of the session, you will walk away with confidence and a practical strategy that will save you time, money, and angst, knowing you have mastered the process. Presented by: Vanessa James-McPhee | Health Industry Employment Services Audience: Masterclass Location: Hall B | |
| 14:00 – 14:05 | Room change | ||
| 14:05 – 14:50 | Concurrent Session 4 | ||
Top 6 metrics for your practice: Your path to success Join Christina Robinson and Madi Williams, from Cubiko’s Customer Success team, as they lead you and your practice down the path of success and show you how to turn your data into knowledge. In this session, Christina and Madi will discuss: Presented by: Christina Robinson and Madison Williams | Cubiko Audience: Emerging Location: Hall A | Coaching for Leaders • What is and isn’t coaching? Presented by: Riwka Hagen| Medical Business Services Audience: Core Location: Plenary Hall | Tracking Your Practice Pain Points • Are you aware of the parts of your systems that consistently cause issues? Presented by: Megan Sheldon | MIGA Audience: Masterclass Location: Hall B | |
| 14:50 – 15:15 | Afternoon tea + Networking | Exhibition Hall | |
| 15:15 – 16:00 | Keynote Presentation | Plenary Hall | |
LGBTIQA+ Understanding and Awareness This LGBTIQA+ Understanding and Awareness session aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of sex, gender, sexuality, and identity. This session will also delve into the “dos and don’ts”, providing practical guidance on creating inclusive and supportive environments for LGBTIQA+ individuals. Presented by: Sarah Childs | Catalyst Foundation | |||
| 16:00 – 17:00 | Annual General Meeting | Location: Hall A | |
| 17:00 – 19:00 | Sunset Happy Hour Drinks presented by Commonwealth Bank | Exhibition Hall | |
| 19:00 – 22:00 | First Timers’ Dinner supported by Best Practice Software | The Ballroom @ The Playford Hotel | |
Thursday 12 October
| DAY 2 | Session | Venue | |
| 07:00 – 17:00 | Registration Desk Opens | ||
| 07:00 – 08:15 | Specialist and Allied Health Networking Breakfast | The Ballroom @ The Playford Hotel | |
| 8:30 | Plenary Doors Open | ||
| 08:45 – 09:00 | Conference Welcome and Opening Day 2 | Plenary Hall | |
| 09:00 – 09:45 | Plenary Session | Plenary Hall | |
2023 AAPM Salary and Benchmarking Survey Results Presenter: Colleen Sullivan | |||
| 09:45 – 09:50 | Room change | ||
| 09:50 – 10:35 | Concurrent Session 5 | ||
RACGP Accreditation – Help with the Common Pitfalls How can you ensure your accreditation assessment against the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Standards is successful? Learn from Tania Worrol, AGPAL Co-Surveyor, and Bennet Aladin Manager, Engagement and Partnerships, AGPAL on the most common non-compliances and how to ensure your practice and your practice team are effectively prepared for your accreditation. Presented by: Tania Worrol and Bennet Aladin | AGPAL & QIP Audience: Emerging Location: Hall A | Contracting 101 for Practice Managers In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare administration, successful contract management is the linchpin to operational efficiency and financial stability. Join Craig Hong, Corporate and Commercial Director of Hillhouse Legal Partners at the “Contracting 101 for Practice Managers” presentation, where Craig will guide you through the essential principles and strategies to master the art of contracting in the healthcare field. This presentation will cover: 1. Contract basics: the elements of a contract and how they relate to practices Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your practice management team with the expertise needed to navigate the complex world of healthcare contracting. Join Craig for “Contracting 101 for Practice Managers” and pave the way for a more prosperous and resilient healthcare practice. Presented by: Craig Hong | Hillhouse Legal Audience: Core Location: Plenary Hall | Investing in Digital Marketing – Value for Money, Value for Patients What does digital marketing actually mean? And, what’s the value for clinics—and their patients? Join us for an enlightening presentation and discover the secrets to unlocking the power of digital marketing and an online presence for your practice AND your community. Learn practical strategies for maximising ROI, harnessing data, and optimising advertising spend. Presented by: Mick Carney | Heartbeat Digital Audience: Masterclass Location: Hall B | |
| 10:35 – 11:00 | Morning Tea + Networking | Exhibition Hall | |
| 11:00 – 11:45 | Concurrent Session 6 | ||
The Cyber Security Essentials for Healthcare Practice Managers Cyber security attacks resulting in data breaches and extortions are continually evolving and are not going away. Massive ransomware and extortion attacks are regularly reported in news media, however many more successful cyber attacks target small organizations, including health service providers, are not widely reported. The health service provider sector is again the number one target for malicious or criminal attackers according to the latest Notifiable Data Breaches Report by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), with ransomware at the top of the list of cyber incidents. Miroslav will detail the absolutely essential cyber security standards based defences and mitigations practice managers must ensure are in place to have any chance to defend their clinic from cyber attacks and prevent becoming a data breach victim caught up in a cyber security catastrophe. Presented by: Miroslav Doncevic | DMS Audience: Emerging Location: Hall A | Environmental Sustainability in Your Practice It is estimated that the provision of health services makes up about 7% of Australia’s total carbon emissions. While public and private hospitals make up a significant amount of this, all sectors of the health system have an important part to play in reducing carbon emissions, both in clinical and non-clinical care. The issue of Climate Action can be overwhelming – where do we start? What should our priorities be? Is it even worth it because what difference will our little contribution make? Is it going to cost/save us money? This session will explore some of the many practical steps which health practices can take to reduce their environmental impact. Presented by: Sophie Piron | Practice Manager Audience: Core Location: Plenary Hall | Beyond the Basics: Exploring Advanced Metrics for Enhanced Practice Management Join Chris Smeed, CEO and co-founder of Cubiko, as he explores the advanced metrics you never thought to look at. In this session you’ll gain insight into: Presented by: Chris Smeed | Cubiko Audience: Masterclass Location: Hall B | |
| 11:45 – 11:55 | Room change | ||
| 11:55 – 12:55pm | Keynote Presentation | Plenary Hall | |
Leadership A 16-year career in the AFL saw Joel Selwood stamp his name as one of the best to have played the game. Now, the longest-serving captain in AFL history is entering the next phase of his career, sharing his knowledge beyond the AFL. Widely celebrated for his professionalism, leadership and football brain, Joel has steadily built one of the most impressive resumes in VFL/AFL history and is recognised as a key element in creating a remarkable culture of success at the Geelong Football Club. Off the football field, Selwood is passionate about helping people reach their potential, using his platform as an AFL legend to inspire and motivate. An influential role model, Joel continues to lead and engage within the greater Australian community. Presented by: Joel Selwood | |||
| 12:55- 13:45 | Lunch + Networking | Exhibition Hall | |
| 13:45 – 14:30 | Concurrent Session 7 | ||
Risk Assessments – The Essential Documentation for Practices Using a recent case, Avant Risk Advisers will demonstrate how to perform a risk assessment looking specifically at: Presented by: Marianna Kelly and Angela Mason | Avant Audience: Emerging Location: Hall A | Innovative & Automated Solutions to Uplift Practice Processes Albert Naffah, CEO CommBank Health, will provide an insight into innovative and automated solutions that practices are able to implement to remain compliant with their provider service agreements, whilst enhancing the efficiency and speed of their billings reconciliation and disbursements processes. Marcus Wilson, CEO Surgical Partners, will join this timely discussion as practices look to uplift their processes to comply with changes to applicable tax regimes. Presented by: Albert Naffah | Commbank Health Audience: Core Location: Plenary Hall | Better outcomes for healthcare providers and consumers – digital health programs and services The increasing need to share information and use digital products and services to support better access to information and better care outcomes was a large part of the 2023-24 Federal Budget. The Australian Digital Health Agency is supporting many of these initiatives, including the mandatory upload of pathology and diagnostic imaging reports to My Health Record, along with the continuing support and broader roll-out of electronic prescribing and the continuing implementation of Provider Connect Australia to support a more efficient, connected and collaborative healthcare system and to strengthen Medicare. As a central part of the primary care team, practice managers have not only an important role in managing and understanding patient records, but also in identifying where administrative efficiencies can be found. Presented by: Laura Toyne | ADHA Audience: Masterclass Location: Hall B | |
| 14:35 – 15:20 | Concurrent Session 8 | ||
Marketing your Practice Online – Optimising your billing and marketing Digital marketing for health clinics has many powerful components, billing optimisation is a prime example. Billing optimisation means strategically matching services with the right patients, rather than any patients, and turning already full schedules into more profitable ones. The results? Financially healthy practices offering communities a higher standard of care and support. Presented by: Mick Carney | Heartbeat Digital Audience: Emerging Location: Hall A | Medicare Compliance Update Want to avoid unnecessary audits and compliance activities by Department of Health and the PSR? Join Loryn Einstein, Managing Director of Medical Billing Experts for an update on recent compliance activities and some helpful hints to reduce your risk of audit. Presented by: Loryn Einstein | Medical Billing Experts Audience: Core Location: Plenary Hall | Setting up your practice for success: laying good foundations for workforce engagement and workplace compliance Australian workplace laws are heavily regulated. Many workplace legal risks can be avoided by taking the time to get the groundwork right and engaging with workers to create a culture of compliance and positivity within your business. Presented by: Anna-Maria Gibb and Stephen Schoninger | Avant Practice Solutions Audience: Masterclass Location: Hall B | |
| 15:20 – 15:55 | Afternoon tea + Networking | Exhibition Hall | |
| 15:55 – 16:55 | Keynote Presentation | Plenary Hall | |
The Importance of You: Managing Your Emotional Wellbeing Globally over 70% of Practice Managers reported experiencing high levels of stress and burnout. This alarming figure reveals that the emotional pressure Practice Managers are placed under which can have detrimental effects on both their own well-being and the quality of care provided to patients and staff. Dr Natalie Flatt will discuss the foundations of stress and burnout and highlight evidence-based strategies to empower practice managers take proactive steps, steps to improve their mental and emotional health while enhancing the overall performance of their healthcare practices. Presented by: Dr Natalie Flatt | Connect Psych Services | |||
| 16:55 – 17:00 | Conference Summary and Close Day 2 | Plenary Hall | |
| 17:00 – 19:00 | Cubiko Cocktails | Exhibition Hall | |
| 19:30 – 22:30 | Fellows Dinner (invitation only event) | Sean’s Kitchen | |
Friday 13 October
| DAY 3 | Session | Venue | |
| 07:00 – 15:00 | Registration Desk Opens | ||
| 07:30 – 08:45 | State Breakfast supported by HealthEngine | The Ballroom @ The Playford Hotel | |
| 8:45 | Plenary Doors Open | ||
| 09:00 – 09:15 | Conference Welcome and Opening Day 3 | Plenary Hall | |
| 09:15 – 10:30 | Keynote Presentation | Plenary Hall | |
Confident and Clear Communication Carol will draw on her expertise in influential communication strategies to share powerful tools so participants can become even more effective in their ability to easily connect with their customers and lead their own teams for enhanced performance and capability at work. Outcomes include learning how to: Presenter: Carol Fox | |||
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Morning Tea + Networking | Exhibition Hall | |
| 11:00 – 11:45 | Concurrent Session 9 | ||
Embracing Change for Better Patient Outcomes: A Tech Perspective Step into the future of healthcare! Join us for ‘Embracing Change for Better Patient Outcomes: A Tech Perspective’. Explore what’s on the horizon for healthcare technology. Discover how these advancements are reshaping clinical practices, streamlining workflows, and delivering superior patient outcomes. Get ready to be inspired! Presented by: Danielle Bancroft | Best Practice Software Audience: Emerging Location: Hall A | Financial Overview and Payroll Tax Updates • Understanding your practice’s structures and processes Presented by: Stuart Chan | Cutcher & Neale Audience: Masterclass Location: Hall C&D | ||
| 11:45 – 11:50 | Room change | ||
| 11:50 – 12:35 | Concurrent Session 10 | ||
The Virtual Care Revolution: Navigating the New Landscape of Healthcare In a swiftly changing industry, the surge in transactional, virtual care is reshaping our patient’s approaches and expectations towards healthcare. Join Agnes So, Head of Customer Experience at HotDoc for a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities of practicing within this environment. This session will present insights from the HotDoc’s practice and patient research, as well as provide a deep dive into the financial and operational pressures steering the industry right now. You’ll leave well equipped with take home strategies including how you can continue to grow your practice by focusing on patient engagement in the age of virtual care. Presented by: Agnes So | HotDoc Audience: Emerging Location: Hall A | Five Common Mistakes Practice Managers Need to Avoid in the Current Environment Elevate your Practice management game with this eye-opening session. Tired of increasing costs, recruitment struggles, and lack of progress? Join Sachin Patel as he unveils the five secret weapons that will revolutionise your operations and put you on the fast track to success. Presented by: Sachin Patel | Scale My Clinic Audience: Core Location: Plenary Hall | Accreditation for Specialists This session will cover the National Safety and Quality Primary and Community Healthcare Standards, published by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. These Standards aim to protect the public from harm and improve the quality of health care delivered by describing a nationally consistent framework, which all primary and community healthcare services can apply when delivering health care. Attendees will leave with a good understanding of the key focus of these Standards, the reasons for the Scheme and who it applies to, the models of assessment, the benefits of accreditation and the support QIP can provide to healthcare services undertaking this accreditation. Presented by: Audience: Masterclass Location: Hall B | |
| 12:35- 13:30 | Lunch + Networking | Exhibition Hall | |
| 13:30 – 14:30 | Keynote Presentation | Plenary Hall | |
Life Lessons Shane Jacobson is one of Australia’s most loved, award-winning actors, presenters and entertainers. His incredible and varied career spans over 40 years, both here at home and internationally. Best known for his work in film, television and theatre, he’s also a song and dance man, author, screen writer, creative director, producer, executive producer, plus an ambassador for many worthy charities and organisations. As a mental health advocate, Shane is passionate about the importance of sparking conversations, increasing awareness and reducing stigma around mental health. Presented by: Shane Jacobson | |||
| 14:30 – 14:40 | Conference Summary and Close | Plenary Hall | |
| 15:00 – 18:00 | Free time | ||
| 18:00 – 19:00 | Pre Dinner Drinks | Panorama Foyer | |
| 19:00 – 00:00 | Gala Dinner Gorgeous Ghouls | Panorama Ballroom | |
Save the date
This year, we have an even bigger and better National Conference to share with you. Right in the heart of Adelaide, with some amazing guest speakers, what stopping you?
What’s happening
This year, we have an online program to make it easier for you. See what’s happening on each day of the conference.
Accomodation
View the selection of accomodation to choose from when you register for the AAPM 2023 National Conference.
