Practice Partners Podcast

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Navigating the 2026 Backflip: Industry Changes and Practice Preparedness
Just weeks before significant healthcare reforms were due to take effect, the Australian healthcare industry witnessed a dramatic policy reversal. In this extra episode, Zac and Ami unpack the government's latest Medicare backflip, the confusion surrounding Assignment of Benefit reforms, and what practices need to be doing right now to prepare for the changes ahead.
From compliance concerns and patient communication to fee reviews, bulk billing pressures, and rising operational costs, this episode provides practical advice for practice owners, managers, and healthcare leaders navigating an increasingly complex environment.
In this episode:
What changed with the government's Medicare reform agenda and why it matters
The Assignment of Benefit confusion and common industry misconceptions
Why many practices may have misunderstood the practical impact of the reforms
Preparing for July 1 fee increases across Medicare, wages, insurances, and subscriptions
Bulk billing trends across Australia and the financial realities facing practices
Communication strategies for discussing fee changes with patients
Financial forecasting and maintaining practice viability during uncertainty
The importance of leadership, financial literacy, and strategic planning
Technology, innovation, and operational efficiencies that can support profitability
Practical actions practices can take immediately to stay ahead
Whether you're a practice owner, manager, GP, or healthcare leader, this episode offers timely insights to help your business remain compliant, financially sustainable, and prepared for whatever comes next.
Resources & Links
RACGP Webinar: July 1 Changes & Verbal Consent Requirements
Cyber Insurance Resources with Meena Wahi: meena@cyberinsuranceaustralia.com.au 
Support the show
We would love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and stories to: info@practicepartners.com.au

Find any resources discussed in this podcast, and all of our other resources at https://www.practicepartners.com.au/resources/

Send us your enquiry or question directly!
Medicare’s Biggest Billing Change in Years? What Every Practice Needs to Know
From 1 July, the way practices obtain and record Assignment of Benefit (AoB) consent is changing... ever so slightly, marking one of the "most significant Medicare administration updates in history".
In this episode, Ami Assigal and Zac Pandur unpack what the new digital consent framework means for general practice, how software vendors are adapting, and what practice owners, managers, and clinicians need to do to remain compliant.
The discussion explores the move away from traditional paper-based processes, the increasing role of practice management systems, patient consent requirements, record keeping obligations, and the potential impact on fraud prevention and accountability. Ami and Zac also dive into the often-overlooked SMS Sender ID reforms at ACMA and why practices should act now to avoid disruption to patient communications.
Whether you're a GP, practice manager, nurse, receptionist, or healthcare business owner, this episode provides practical insights into the operational and compliance changes that will affect every Australian general practice.
In this episode:
• What Assignment of Benefit actually means and why it matters
• The new digital consent requirements commencing 1 July
• How Best Practice, HotDoc, Tyro and other systems are adapting
• Record keeping and compliance obligations for practices
• Potential risks, benefits and fraud considerations
• SMS Sender ID changes and what ACMA practices must do before the deadline
• Practical steps to prepare your practice for implementation
Key Takeaway:
The new AoB framework aims to modernise Medicare claiming and improve patient consent processes, but successful implementation will require practices to understand their obligations, update workflows, and ensure their technology partners are ready.
Support the show
We would love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and stories to: info@practicepartners.com.au

Find any resources discussed in this podcast, and all of our other resources at https://www.practicepartners.com.au/resources/

Send us your enquiry or question directly!
In this episode, Zac Pandur and Ami Assigal unpack the evolving world of healthcare marketing and the ongoing debate between managing marketing internally or partnering with external agencies. From social media strategy and branding to compliance, analytics, and long-term practice growth, this episode provides a practical look into what actually works in modern healthcare marketing.
The discussion explores the strengths and limitations of both internal teams and outsourced marketing providers, including the importance of understanding your current position before investing heavily into campaigns or branding. Zac and Ami also discuss the growing role of analytics tools, the risks of poor marketing advice, and why authenticity and compliance remain critical in healthcare.
Whether you’re a practice owner, manager, or healthcare entrepreneur, this episode offers practical insight into building a sustainable and effective marketing strategy.
Key Discussion Points:
• Pros and cons of internal marketing teams
• Benefits and risks of external marketing agencies
• How to assess your current marketing performance
• Building an effective healthcare brand
• Compliance considerations in healthcare marketing
Resources Mentioned:
Google Analytics: https://analytics.google.com/
Meta Business Suite: https://business.facebook.com/
AHPRA: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/
TGA Guidelines for Alternative Medicine Marketing: https://www.tga.gov.au/
Support the show
We would love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and stories to: info@practicepartners.com.au

Find any resources discussed in this podcast, and all of our other resources at https://www.practicepartners.com.au/resources/

Send us your enquiry or question directly!
This week, Zac Pandur and Ami Assigal discuss the hidden risks of walking intellectual property within general practice and business operations.
The episode explores how knowledge, processes, policies, procedures, and operational know-how can easily “walk out the door” when staff leave, and why strong SOPs, documentation, and handover processes are critical for protecting business continuity.
The team also touches on:
Staff handovers and operational gaps
Whether employees should work notice periods
Building systems that reduce reliance on individuals
Plenty of laughs along the way
Celebrating Ami’s 40th birthday 🎉
Key Takeaway
If important knowledge only exists in one staff member’s head, it is a business risk. Strong systems and clear documentation protect both the team and the business.
Support the show
We would love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and stories to: info@practicepartners.com.au

Find any resources discussed in this podcast, and all of our other resources at https://www.practicepartners.com.au/resources/

Send us your enquiry or question directly!
In Episode 82 of the Practice Partners Podcast, Zac Pandur takes on a solo discussion around one of the biggest challenges facing healthcare teams today: negativity in the industry and why positivity matters more than ever.
With increasing operational pressure, staffing shortages, burnout, and rising patient expectations, many healthcare environments have fallen into a cycle of stress, frustration, and reactive culture. In this episode, Zac explores how negativity impacts team morale, leadership, patient experience, and long-term business performance, and why leaders must take responsibility for shaping a more constructive workplace culture.
This is not about toxic positivity or ignoring real problems. It is about creating resilient teams, improving communication, and building workplaces where people feel supported, valued, and motivated despite the pressure.
Zac discusses:
 Why negativity spreads quickly in healthcare environments 
 The operational impact of poor workplace culture 
 The difference between realism and pessimism 
 How leadership behaviour shapes team morale 
 Practical ways to improve positivity within practices and healthcare businesses 
 Why culture is becoming a competitive advantage in healthcare 
A practical and honest conversation for practice owners, managers, healthcare leaders, and team members looking to improve culture and performance in an increasingly demanding industry.
Support the show
We would love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and stories to: info@practicepartners.com.au

Find any resources discussed in this podcast, and all of our other resources at https://www.practicepartners.com.au/resources/