HealthCert Insights – A Podcast for Doctors, Nurses and Healthcare Professionals

Billing strategies for new MBS changes: HealthCert GP Update, 2025

Confused by the latest MBS changes? From 1 July 2025, Medicare introduced major updates in women’s health and chronic disease management, including new item numbers for menopause health assessments and revised chronic condition care plans.

In this HealthCert GP Update, Dr Simone Gonzo unpacks how to apply the new Medicare item numbers in women’s health and chronic disease, providing a clear, practical overview tailored for busy GPs.

What you will learn

In a practical, case-based approach to the latest MBS changes, Dr Simon Gonzo uses real-world scenarios to demonstrate how to:

• Apply the new menopause health assessment (item 695).
• Integrate the new chronic condition management plan (965/967) into everyday workflows.
• Align mental health care planning and psychology referrals.
• Document correctly to meet requirements and avoid medicolegal risk.
• Combine billings efficiently in one patient encounter without over-servicing.
• Use AI tools to streamline documentation and reduce admin burden.

This session will help you feel confident that your documentation meets Medicare standards, while making the most of new funded opportunities in women’s health and chronic disease care.

Next steps in your learning journey

🎓 Micro-Courses in Women's Health or Chronic Disease

Explore 400 short CPD modules in focused topics in Women's Health, Chronic Disease, and more. Complete in less than 10 hours! ➡️ Browse Micro-Courses >

🎓 Certificate Courses in Women's Health or Chronic Disease

Our university-assured, structured pathways to elevate your knowledge in Women's Health or Chronic Disease & Conditions. ➡️ Explore Certificate Courses >

🎓 HealthCert 365 subscription

Prefer flexible learning across many topics? Access 4,000+ CPD hours on-demand with HealthCert 365 — anytime, any topic, one flat annual fee. ➡️ Discover HealthCert 365 >

SPF testing: What GPs should know about sunscreen controversies

When media reports suggest that sunscreens “fail” SPF testing, GPs are often the first to field patients' concerns. In this episode of Life by a Thousand Cuts, A/Prof Tony Dicker takes a closer look at recent media controversies and applies a clinical lens to discuss whether sunscreens work and are safe to use. In the episode, he discusses SPF testing and how it is not absolute; small variations in testing conditions or sample batches can change results, even among regulated products. Despite this, Australia’s regulatory standards remain among the most stringent globally; unlike in many other countries, sunscreens are classed as therapeutic goods and regulated by the TGA.

A “failed” SPF test result doesn’t necessarily mean a product is unsafe or ineffective. It often reflects marginal variation rather than complete loss of protection. Affected manufacturers have acted responsibly by voluntarily withdrawing products to investigate further, which is an important sign of quality control, not negligence.

A/Prof Dicker reiterates that GPs play a vital role in patient reassurance and countering misinformation, since sunscreen remains a key element of skin cancer prevention, alongside other sun safety measures like shade and clothing.

“Some sun protection is better than none. The world isn’t black and white — it’s grey. Understanding that nuance helps us guide patients confidently.” - A/Prof Tony Dicker

Watch this episode here.

Life by a Thousand Cuts 

This podcast series is designed to help you enhance your clinical decision-making, procedural skills, and confidence in skin cancer management. Focus on real-world cases, surgical techniques and tips, journal article reviews, diagnostic and management insights, and guest interviews with GPs and specialists.

Next steps in your learning journey

🎓 Certificate Courses in Skin Cancer
Explore our university-assured, structured pathway to elevate your knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
➡️ Explore full program

Where aesthetic medicine meets women’s health: A GP’s perspective

In this episode of HealthCert's The Aesthetic Shift podcast series, Kelly Beasy sits down with Dr Amanda Sabel, a GP and aesthetic practitioner from Western Australia, to share their advice on blending women’s health with aesthetic medicine.

Dr Sabel shares how her own experience navigating perimenopause became the catalyst for building a clinic where women’s health is front and centre, and how she has combined this with her background in aesthetics to deliver holistic care for her patients.

Together, Kelly and Dr Sabel explore:

• Why menopause and perimenopause remain under-recognised in clinical practice.
• The challenges of managing complex symptoms within standard consultation times.
• Practical ways GPs and cosmetic practitioners can introduce women’s health services.
• The evolving evidence around hormone therapy, lifestyle, and laser-based treatments.

If you are a GP or nurse practitioner looking to expand your scope and support women through all stages of life, this conversation offers insights into what is possible both clinically and professionally.

Watch this episode here.

 

Next steps in your learning journey

🎓 Certificate Courses in Aesthetic Medicine
Explore our university-assured, structured Professional Diploma pathway to elevate your skills in primary care Aesthetic Medicine.
➡️  Explore full program >

Glue vs Sutures: What makes the better scar?

In this episode of Life by A Thousand Cuts podcast, A/Prof Tony Dicker takes a closer look at a new study comparing wound closures using glue versus sutures on the trunk and limbs.

The research, published in Dermatologic Surgery, followed patients for 12 months to see which method produced the better scar. The findings might surprise you, and could change how you think about surface closures in your own practice.

A/Prof Dicker unpacks the study design, discusses what the results really mean for doctors treating skin cancers, and reflects on how factors like tissue reactivity, closure technique, and anatomical site can all influence cosmetic outcomes.

Tune in to hear his take on when glue might have an edge, what to watch for in your own closures, and why even small technique choices can make a difference over time.

Watch this episode here.

Life by a Thousand Cuts 

This podcast series is designed to help you enhance your clinical decision-making, procedural skills, and confidence in skin cancer management. Focus on real-world cases, surgical techniques and tips, journal article reviews, diagnostic and management insights, and guest interviews with GPs and specialists.

Next steps in your learning journey

🎓 Certificate Courses in Skin Cancer
Explore our university-assured, structured pathway to elevate your knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
➡️ Explore full program

Talking surgical margins with Dr Ian Katz

In this episode of Life by A Thousand Cuts podcast, A/Prof Tony Dicker sits down with Dr Ian Katz, a dual-trained pathologist and founder of several skin cancer clinics, to explore one of the most debated topics in skin cancer management: margins.

Dr Katz shares his unique perspective as both a pathologist and a clinician, reflecting on why confusion around margins persists, and how GPs can better interpret pathology reports in practice.

They discuss:

• Clinical vs histological margins: Guidelines are based on clinical margins, not what’s measured under the microscope. A “1.5mm histological clearance” isn’t the same thing as a “5mm clinical margin.”

• Measurement variability: Pathology reports aren’t exact science. A “2mm margin” often means “2mm ± 1–2mm.” Numbers give guidance, but they’re not absolute.

• What really matters: In many cases, being histologically one cell clear is enough. The reason we aim wider is due to uncertainty, because we only ever see a small fraction of the specimen under the microscope.

• Managing uncertainty: Skin cancer surgery comes with ambiguity. If you are someone who struggles to sleep without a precise answer, skin cancer work can feel uncomfortable. Understanding the limits of pathology helps.

• Communication counts: Clear request forms (with the prior diagnosis, margin status, and level of clinical suspicion) make it easier for pathologists to provide meaningful reports.

This discussion is about bridging the gap between the clinical and pathology worlds, and recognising that margins are less about chasing numbers, and more about good clinical judgement, clear reporting, and thoughtful follow-up.

Watch this episode here.

Life by a Thousand Cuts 

This podcast series is designed to help you enhance your clinical decision-making, procedural skills, and confidence in skin cancer management. Focus on real-world cases, surgical techniques and tips, journal article reviews, diagnostic and management insights, and guest interviews with GPs and specialists.

Next steps in your learning journey

🎓 Certificate Courses in Skin Cancer
Explore our university-assured, structured pathway to elevate your knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
➡️ Explore full program

 

Gestational Diabetes: HealthCert GP Update, 2025

Gestational diabetes is one of the most common and challenging complications seen in pregnancy, and new guidelines are changing how GPs should approach its screening and management.

In this HealthCert GP Update, Dr Simone Gonzo unpacks the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS) 2025 Consensus Recommendations, providing a clear, practical overview tailored for busy GPs.

What you will learn

• How to distinguish overt diabetes from GDM.
• When and how to apply early screening protocols for high-risk patients.
• Updated diagnostic thresholds and what they mean in day-to-day practice.
• How these changes may influence your management decisions and patient outcomes.

Next steps in your learning journey

🎓  NEW!  Foundation Certificate of Pregnancy: Managing Complications
Learn how to deliver safe, evidence-based care throughout pregnancy and manage complications such as gestational diabetes, infertility, miscarriage, and more. 4-module short course | Online | Accredited 40 CPD hours.
➡️ Explore short course >

🎓 Women's Health Certificate Courses
Prefer an in-depth program? Explore our university-assured, structured pathway to elevate your knowledge in Women's Health.
➡️ Explore full program >

🎓 HealthCert 365 subscription
Prefer flexible learning across many topics? Access 4,000+ CPD hours on-demand with HealthCert 365 — anytime, anywhere, one flat annual fee.
➡️  Discover HealthCert 365 >

One nurse's journey from solo practitioner to aesthetics clinic owner

In this episode of HealthCert's The Aesthetic Shift podcast series, Kelly Beasy speaks to Kelly McChord about her journey from solo practice to multi-clinic ownership and the lessons learned in building a sustainable aesthetics business.

Kelly McChord is a Nurse Practitioner with 15 years' experience in the aesthetics industry, who is based in Perth and who has a special interest in cosmetic medicine and women's health. She shares her inspiring story of building a thriving aesthetics career, from starting out as a solo practitioner to soon opening her second clinic. Her path into aesthetics was shaped by her background in emergency and resuscitation care, where she realised that health isn’t just about survival, but also about confidence and quality of life. That insight eventually led her into aesthetics, where she found new ways to help people feel their best.

Over the past 15 years, Kelly has grown from performing her first wrinkle relaxer treatments while raising four children, to establishing a busy clinic that now needs more space to meet patient demand. Along the way, she has navigated the challenges of working alone, building a client base, hiring staff, and expanding services with carefully chosen devices.

In this conversation, Kelly Beasy and Kelly McChord share their practical lessons for clinicians considering a similar path:

• Build your foundation first. Focus on training, competence, and developing a loyal patient portfolio before scaling.

• Know when to expand. Hiring a second injector, investing in devices, or moving to a bigger clinic should be driven by patient demand and return on investment.

• Value your time and team. Setting boundaries, delegating effectively, and supporting staff are essential to sustainable growth.

• Invest in skills, not just equipment. Patient trust and confidence in your expertise are far more powerful than any device alone.

Watch this episode here.

 

Next steps in your learning journey

🎓 Certificate Courses in Aesthetic Medicine
Explore our university-assured, structured Professional Diploma pathway to elevate your skills in primary care Aesthetic Medicine.
➡️  Explore full program >

Avoiding nerve injury in skin cancer surgery

In this episode of Life by A Thousand Cuts podcast, A/Prof Tony Dicker explores a critical topic for doctors surgically treating skin cancers: how to avoid accidentally cutting nerves during procedures.

A/Prof Dicker offers real-world strategies to help you plan safer surgeries. The discussion covers several major nerves relevant to skin cancer surgery, particularly in the head and neck region:

• Accessory nerve – Damage here can cause significant morbidity, including shoulder weakness and difficulty raising the arm. A/Prof Dicker explains how to identify its path along the sternocleidomastoid and when referral is the safer option.

• Temporal branch of the facial nerve – Injury can cause unwanted, asymmetric paralysis of the forehead. A/Prof Dicker shares a simple anatomical landmark and tips for safer anaesthesia.

• Marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve – Though variable in its course, awareness of its position along the jawline can help avoid serious complications.

• Common peroneal nerve – In the lower limb, damage can lead to foot drop, a complication with major functional consequences.

A/Prof Dicker also highlights commonly overlooked issues such as forehead numbness from small sensory nerves, why tumescent anaesthesia can improve safety in thin-skinned patients, and the importance of patient communication before surgery to manage expectations and reduce distress.

This episode is packed with practical pearls for clinicians working in skin cancer surgery, reminding us that while excision margins and pathology are essential, so too is thoughtful consideration of what lies beneath.

 

Watch this episode here.

Life by a Thousand Cuts 

This podcast series is designed to help you enhance your clinical decision-making, procedural skills, and confidence in skin cancer management. Focus on real-world cases, surgical techniques and tips, journal article reviews, diagnostic and management insights, and guest interviews with GPs and specialists.

Next steps in your learning journey

🎓 Certificate Courses in Skin Cancer
Explore our university-assured, structured pathway to elevate your knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
➡️ Explore full program

The GP's journey into vasectomy practice

Vasectomy is one of the most effective and under-utilised forms of contraception, yet access remains limited in many parts of Australia. In this latest episode of HealthCert’s GP Insights podcast, Dr Raj Selvarajan shares his personal journey into the field and why more doctors may want to consider adding this procedure to their skillset.

After training as a GP in the UK, Dr Selvarajan undertook structured vasectomy training, which included supervised procedures, competency milestones, and formal certification. This system gave him the confidence and technical skills to practise safely. In contrast, Australia has no standardised training pathway; most local practitioners have learnt overseas, in hospitals, or alongside experienced colleagues.

In the podcast, Dr Selvarajan reflects honestly on the challenges he faced during training, especially when performing the procedure under local anaesthesia, where patient comfort and precision are critical. He recalls moments of self-doubt early on, but also highlights the importance of persistence, preparation, and supportive mentorship. Confidence builds over time, and what begins as a steep learning curve becomes a rewarding and highly practical skill.

Watch this episode here.

 

Want to upskill in the no-scalpel vasectomy method?

Start with HealthCert Education’s Advanced Workshop of Non-Scalpel Vasectomy to build your foundational skills. Then round-out your hands-on vasectomy training with a clinical placement at Dr Raj Selvarajan’s clinic.

Choosing surgical marking pens in skin cancer surgery

In this episode of Life by A Thousand Cuts, A/Prof Tony Dicker takes a closer look at surgical marking pens, exploring how the simple act of drawing a line can influence outcomes.

Anyone who has carefully mapped a surgical plan only to see it vanish after prepping the skin, knows the frustration. In this podcast, A/Prof Dicker dives into the evidence behind different pens, from gentian violet markers to permanent markers and even the humble biro, and how antiseptic agents like chlorhexidine, Betadine, and alcohol impact their durability.

He also delves into infection risk, cross-contamination, and the rare but real possibility of ink tattooing if markings are incised. Studies comparing pen performance across skin types and prep solutions offer valuable insights.

A/Prof Dicker also shares his own preferences: permanent markers with a mid-sized tip for clear, reliable lines, applied after cleaning intact skin with alcohol wipes. He stresses the importance of tailoring pen choice to both the surgical setting and patient factors, especially skin tone.

Watch this episode here.

Life by a Thousand Cuts 

This podcast series is designed to help you enhance your clinical decision-making, procedural skills, and confidence in skin cancer management. Focus on real-world cases, surgical techniques and tips, journal article reviews, diagnostic and management insights, and guest interviews with GPs and specialists.

Next steps in your learning journey

🎓 Certificate Courses in Skin Cancer
Explore our university-assured, structured pathway to elevate your knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
➡️ Explore full program