Our focus is on proactive support, to help members anticipate challenges and resolve their problems before they escalate into disputes, to protect their rights, and further their professional interests. Our experienced advisors can provide comprehensive industrial support and assist you with workplace matters, and guide you through difficult situations. We strive to reduce your workplace stressors and ensure you are able to concentrate on patient care.
Assistance with Public Hospital matters
As the registered organisation for VMOs, we can help you navigate complaints and disputes processes. Our goal is to ensure your rights are protected. We take a proactive approach to resolve matters as quickly as possible and avoid protracted legal processes. Our connections in the health sector mean we are able to reach key decision makers at an early stage and seek resolution. AMA (NSW) provides advice and assistance with issues including:
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The VMO Determinations and Contracts
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Remuneration and VMoney
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Workplace investigations
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Performance reviews
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Bullying and harassment matters
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Patient complaint processes
Examples of recent wins:
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COVID Leave for VMOs, payment for telehealth services and alternative working arrangements during the pandemic
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Securing compensation for a VMO during an informal stand-down
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Securing payment of $50,000 for a VMO in a disputed payments case
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Ensuring the Professional Support Payment was paid in full to a member who was in dispute with the Local Health District
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Assisting members with bullying and harassment matters
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Guiding members through patient complaint processes
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Successfully challenged rostering changes on behalf of members
Assistance with Private Hospital matters
VMO arrangements in private hospitals are not regulated in the same way as public hospital arrangements.
AMA (NSW) provides advice and assistance with issues including:
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Appointments at private hospitals
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Your rights and obligations under private hospital by-laws
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Workplace investigations
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Bullying and harassment matters
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Patient complaint processes
VMO Determinations
Current rates of remuneration can be found here.
The Public Hospitals (Visiting Medical Officers Fee-For-Service Contracts) Determination 2014 can be found here.
Current rates of remuneration can be found here.
VMO Resources
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VMO Essentials: Sessional VMO on call and call back
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VMO Essentials: VMOs and dispute resolution
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VMO Essentials: VMOs performance review
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VMO Essentials: public hospital system basics
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VMO Essentials: termination of contracts
Medico-Legal Advice
Our team of advisors have many years of experience advising medical practitioners on medico-legal matters. Dominique Egan has been advising medical practitioners for 20 years.
AMA (NSW) provides advice and assistance with issues including:
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Medical records and privacy
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Consent
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Billing matters – Medicare, Private Health Funds, Workers Compensation and CTP
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Patient complaints
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HCCC, Medical Council of NSW and AHPRA
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Ending the therapeutic relationship
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Subpoenas, court notices and attendances
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Advertising regulations
Articles and Publications
Find the report here.
While the number of vexatious complaints in Australia is small, the impact they have on practitioners’ lives is significant. AMA has been working with AHPRA to develop a new framework. Find out more.