Medicare’s magical number factory: Why do bureaucrats trust doctors to save lives but not prescribe?
“Who are these people?” I wondered after I hung up the phone with ‘Charlene’ from the authority line. She had a cheerful voice and was,…
Medical Observer
Unique doctor-written opinion and analysis
Why is it so hard to say no when patients demand unnecessary treatments?
We GPs are practical types. Not only do we like to tell people what to do, we also like having the skills to do things…
With VAD safeguards now seen as obstacles by pro-euthanasia doctors, I worry for vulnerable patients
Back in 2017, following a tough and taxing debate, Victoria became the first Australian state to legalise what proponents call voluntary assisted dying (VAD), and…
Let me ask this question: How productive has the patient safety movement been?
“Tragedy.” “Disaster.” “Incompetence.” Serious adverse events in healthcare create emotive news, inspire sympathy and anger, and can trigger sadness and frustration in healthcare providers. ×…
The idea that diagnostic certainty requires a ‘perfect’ medical history is flawed — let me explain
When I observe young GP registrars with patients, I see the immense weight they carry. I remember that feeling acutely: the pressure to make the…
Expert medical witnesses have been used for centuries — replacing them could harm doctors in negligence claims
The need for expert evidence — based on a person’s training, study or experience — to assist in the determination of disputes has been with…
Are younger doctors too scared to prescribe S4 painkillers?
One thing that pisses me off, as a late-career doctor, is the number of younger GPs who seem to be scared to prescribe certain S4…
Mark Butler, your job is not the extortion of GPs through Medicare
Health Minister Mark Butler says he “could not in good conscience” boost rebates instead of bulk-billing incentives. Mr Butler, you still don’t get it. ×…
Are Trump’s tariffs a blessing in disguise for our medical workforce and the Aussie space program?
I used to joke that I was a refugee from Los Angeles. I left the US over 45 years ago, and even back then I…
Ruptured ACLs, infectious diseases, fractured bones — grandparenting can be hazardous to your health
Grandparenting can be hazardous. I have identified a number of potential risks for grandparents who maintain active interactions with their grandchildren. × Welcome to AusDoc.…
