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professional practice news

Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Web Claiming Launch

From 1 July 2014 you can lodge Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) claims using a new web-based channel called DVA Webclaim. DVA Webclaim is a no cost service designed primarily to assist dental and allied health providers who only have a small number of DVA clients to claim. DVA Webclaim will be available on the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Health Professional Online Services (HPOS) portal.

To access DVA Webclaim you will need: • PC or laptop with a USB port; • internet connection; and • individual Medicare Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificate – to apply for an individual PKI certificate go to www.humanservices.gov.au/pki .

For more information on DVA Webclaim visit: www.humanservices.gov.au/hpos or www.dva.gov.au/service_providers/Pages/Webclaim.aspx .

Nichola Harris Practice and Clinical Support Advisor

Another great resource for members entering into private practice is SPA’s Private Practice Member Community which currently has over 500 dynamic, highly professional and collegiate members who discuss and share information and resources on a whole range of private practice topics. It’s also a good place to dip your toe into what is happening in the private practice world as you follow posts by lurking in the background. Perhaps the silver lining of the increase in enquiries regarding commencing private practice is that at least members are contacting SPA and when they do we can provide specific and individualised advice. So please keep ringing, and emailing us (and supporting each other through the PP Member Community and other networking opportunities) as we all strive to ensure private speech pathology practices are gold standard businesses.

PP query: I want to know how to advertise my business. I handed out vouchers for a free session at the local shopping centre but someone told me I shouldn’t be doing that. SPA’s response: Any advertising must be factual and professional and the client must not be coerced recommended because it devalues the service you are providing and could be seen as coercion if the client feels that once they have attended the free session they are now obliged to continue seeing you. You must not write negative comments about your competitors or make unsubstantiated claims such as “Best in (location)” or “Only expert in (condition) in town.” Resources: SPA’s FAQs – Advertising; SPA's Advertising Standards (under development). into attending the service. Handing out vouchers is not

PP query: I’m not a member of SPA and I don’t have professional indemnity insurance because I can’t afford the fees or I’m only working a very small amount of time in PP. SPA’s response: Being a member of SPA provides you with up-to-date information and resources, and free ethical, professional, legal, risk management, human resources and industrial relations advice and support. Having professional indemnity insurance is essential in private practice to protect your professional reputation and livelihood. PI insurance through Guild also gives you access to free legal advice with their duty lawyer. Resources: SPA’s Professional Practice Resources section of the website or contact Nichola Harris, SPA’s Practice and Clinical Support Advisor by phoning 1300 368 835 or emailing advisor@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au .

Christine Lyons Senior Advisor Professional Practice Nichola Harris Practice and Clinical Support Advisor

Speak Out June 2014

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www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au