Opportunity for GPs to reflect on requests for lower gastrointestinal imaging

General practitioners across Australia will shortly receive their latest MBS Practice Review from NPS MedicineWise. Focusing on imaging of the abdomen and pelvis, it provides individualised data and insights enabling GPs to reflect on their practice and the latest evidence.

NPS MedicineWise medical adviser and GP Dr Jill Thistlethwaite says the Practice Review, which includes MBS imaging requests data for each doctor, was developed in collaboration with GPs and is being sent to approximately 31,000 GPs across Australia.

Explanatory notes outline that diagnostic imaging is often not indicated for chronic abdominal pain. When a thorough clinical history and physical examination indicate that serious disease is very unlikely, reassurance, along with clear management information for the patient, may be more appropriate than an imaging request.

“NPS MedicineWise routinely sends Practice Reviews, with a focus on quality use of medicines and medical tests, to support clinicians in professional development and continuing quality improvement,” says Dr Thistlethwaite.

“GPs have different cohorts of patients. The data included in the individualised MBS Practice Review on lower gastrointestinal imaging should be considered in the context of the patients consulting each practitioner and their indications for investigation,” she says.

NPS MedicineWise is also hosting a free webinar for health professionals on 25 June 2020 7-8pm AEST titled ‘Chronic abdominal pain: could it be irritable bowel syndrome?’

The webinar will focus on some of the challenges of diagnosis, including the place of imaging and, where irritable bowel syndrome is the likely cause, the latest evidence on effective management – particularly diet and psychological support.

Further updated resources and information on lower gastrointestinal imaging can be found on the NPS MedicineWise information hub and include an updated online learning module, a mediated action plan for GPs and a fact sheet for consumers.