8 NEWS
Meet the GP leading the PSR
8 NEWS
9 AUGUST 2024 ausdoc . com . au
CGM for healthy men ?
Heather Saxena A HIGH-PROFILE telehealth corporate is offering men a preventive health program involving a suite of tests such as testosterone , HbA1c and cholesterol , with results sent to the patient ’ s usual GP .
The move has prompted concerns from medical defence organisations ( MDOs ) about pathology being ordered outside of a patient ’ s regular GP practice .
Eucalyptus , whose doctors are known for prescribing compounded semaglutide for weight loss , and which counts Dr Nick Coatsworth and Dr Malcolm Parmenter as clinical governance advisers , opened its new venture in June .
Called Compound , patients pay $ 995 a month for the 12-week program , where they are offered non-subsidised continuous glucose monitoring ( CGM ) — even if they do not have diabetes — plus gait analysis , a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan , VO 2 max testing , a diet plan and an exercise program , as well as various supplements .
The blood work , according to Compound , will establish “ dozens of biomarkers ” that will “ influence your focus areas on the program , your supplementation regimen and whether you need to see any specialist doctors ”.
Eucalyptus told Australian Doctor last month that 4000 men were on its waitlist .
Dr Ben Condon , Compound ’ s clinical lead , told Australian Doctor all of the investigations were “ necessary to gain a complete picture of members ’ health and … guide the care and advice given to them throughout the program ”.
“ CGMs are used for two weeks during the program as an adjunct to our glycaemic control and carbohydrate teaching .
“ Working directly with our dietitians , members are able to visualise their glycaemic response from meal to meal and then receive suggestions on ways to improve these meals , their diet more broadly , and specifically how to optimise their blood sugar control .
“ Better glycaemic control improves the consistency and quality of members ’ energy levels and one ’ s ability to burn fat throughout the day .”
Eucalyptus co-founder Charlie Gearside said it was an important preventive program .
“ We want to intercept people upstream from the traditional healthcare system before they get sick ,” he said .
He said Compound ’ s doctors managed investigations and referrals if they diagnosed anything unexpected and would “ ensure a member ’ s regular GP is kept up to date on results and outcomes ”.
“ We ensure all GPs receive a timely
‘ We want to intercept people upstream before they get sick .’
— Dr Ben Condon and appropriate handover of care at the conclusion of the program .”
However , Avant said it had broad concerns about telehealth doctors and the possibility of missed or delayed diagnoses if they failed to communicate with a patient ’ s regular GP .
“ Generally , the practitioner who orders a test is responsible for following up the results , unless otherwise agreed between the respective doctors and the patient ,” said Ruanne Brell , Avant ’ s senior legal adviser .
“ If there is not any agreement and a doctor receives clinically significant results for a patient test they have not ordered themselves , it is good practice to contact the ordering practitioner and check the arrangements for communicating with the patient .
“ Without taking this step , care could be fragmented , which may increase the risk of missed or delayed diagnosis or treatment .”
MDA National added that GPs “ who find themselves dealing with unexpected tests ordered by another provider should contact their MDO for advice ”.
In response , Dr Condon said : “ We do not simply copy in or forward results to someone ’ s GP .
“ The MDO ’ s concerns , while valid , are not relevant .” Disclaimer : Australian Doctor has run Eucalyptus advertising , including its Compound program .
Meet the GP leading the PSR
PAGE 5 incredibly serious .
“ In other lives , other volunteer roles , I have spent a lot of time advocating for the respect and dignity of practitioners under review by anybody ,” he says .
“ It is so obvious that a review — whether it is AHPRA , Medicare or us — is among the most stressful and horrible experiences of a practitioner ’ s life , let alone their career .”
Under his leadership , the PSR now provides mental health resources in its initial letters to practitioners under review .
“ I spend a lot of time counselling people who have been through regulatory processes . I hope to God everyone reads our resources ,” he says .
“ Even in conversations , formal and semi-formal interviews with practitioners under review , I try to make sure they feel respected as clinicians and human beings .
“ It is a very stressful and difficult time for them , and we appreciate that .”
As our conversation ends , Dr Di Dio says his starting point for any case is always the same .
“ I have met thousands of doctors and health practitioners , and the overwhelming majority are scrupulously honest and decent — and very good at what they do .
“ That is the position I take whenever I meet a new person through the PSR .”
I love him beyond all reason , and care for him above all else .
BECAUSE THEY ’ RE TOO IMPORTANT
PBS Information : Authority Required . Refer to PBS Schedule for full restricted benefit information .
BEFORE PRESCRIBING , PLEASE REVIEW APPROVED PRODUCT INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FROM VIATRIS ON 1800 274 276 OR BY SCANNING THE QR CODE .
MINIMUM PRODUCT INFORMATION EpiPen ® Adrenaline Auto-Injector 0.3mg / 0.3mL EpiPen ® Jr . Adrenaline Auto-Injector 0.15mg / 0.3mL . The following are not a complete listing : Indications : For the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis ( acute severe allergic reaction ) due to insect stings or bites , foods , drugs or other allergens . Contraindications : Contraindications are relative , as this product is intended for use in life-threatening emergencies . Certain arrhythmias , cerebral arteriosclerosis , vasopressor drug contraindication , shock ( except anaphylactic shock ), certain types of general anaesthesia . Precautions : Sulfite allergy , intravenous administration , ventricular fibrillation , prefibrillatory rhythm , tachycardia , myocardial infarction , cardiovascular disease , organic heart disease , cardiac dilation , cerebral arteriosclerosis , prostatic hypertrophy , elderly , individuals with diabetes , hypertension , narrow angle glaucoma , hyperthyroidism , organic brain damage , psychoneurosis , phenothiazine-induced circulatory collapse , Parkinsonism . Avoid injection into hands , feet , ears , nose , buttocks , genitalia . Use in Pregnancy : Pregnancy Category A . Excreted in breast milk . Use with caution when maternal blood pressure is in excess of 130 / 80 . Interactions : CNS medicines , alpha and beta adrenergic blockers , some general anaesthetics , hypoglycaemic agents . Adverse Effects : Anxiety , restlessness , tachycardia , respiratory difficulty , tremor , weakness , dizziness , headache , dyspnoea , cold extremities , pallor , sweating , nausea , vomiting , sleeplessness , hallucinations , flushing of face and skin . Psychomotor agitation , disorientation , impaired memory , potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmias , severe hypertension which may lead to cerebral haemorrhage and pulmonary oedema . Angina may occur in patients with CAD . Dosage : Single intramuscular injection into anterolateral aspect of thigh , repeat as directed if symptoms recur or have not subsided . Adults ≥30kg : EpiPen ® Auto-Injector ( 0.3mg adrenaline ) Children 15 – 30kg : EpiPen ® Jr . Auto-Injector ( 0.15mg adrenaline ). The prescribing physician may choose to prescribe more or less than this amount ; please refer to relevant guidelines .
EPIPEN ® and EPIPEN ® JR are Viatris Company trademarks . Copyright © 2024 Viatris Inc . All rights reserved . Alphapharm Pty Ltd , trading as Viatris . Level 1 , 30-34 Hickson Road , Millers Point NSW 2000 . ABN 93 002 359 739 . Tel 1800 274 276 . Date of preparation : May 2024 . AU-EPI-2024-00005 . MYL0793 .