Wound care, managing complications, Mohs surgery, Medicare and medical indemnity

This course is divided into five key units:

Unit 1: Wound Care
This unit provides an in-depth look at the phases of wound healing and the appropriate use of dressings for different types of wounds. Participants will learn about hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling stages, as well as the importance of moisture balance, preventing infection, and the proper use of sutures. The unit also covers patient aftercare, including advice on when to remove sutures, managing movement to reduce scar formation, and answering patient questions on topics like wound care and antibiotics​.

Unit 2: Managing Complications
Unit 2 focuses on the most common complications that can arise during skin cancer surgery, such as bleeding, hematomas, infection, suture dehiscence, and hypertrophic or keloid scarring. This unit explores the strategies for handling these issues, including drainage techniques, infection control, and how to manage scarring with tools like silicone sheets and steroid injections. The importance of communication and empathy when dealing with post-surgical complications is emphasised.

Unit 3: Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery, a specialised technique for the precise removal of skin cancers, is introduced in this unit. Participants will learn about its application, particularly in high-risk or recurrent cases. The process of margin-controlled excision and real-time pathology to ensure complete tumor removal is explained in detail. This unit is particularly relevant for surgeons looking to improve outcomes in skin cancer surgery​.

Unit 4: Medicare and Remuneration
This unit covers the essential aspects of Medicare billing for skin cancer surgeries, including how to appropriately bill for consultations and procedures. Participants will learn the rules surrounding bulk billing, private billing, and how to document lesion size and surgical intent to ensure compliance with Medicare’s stringent guidelines. Key topics include item numbers, rebates, and the multiple services rule​.

Unit 5: Medical Indemnity
In the final unit, participants will explore the legal protections required when performing skin cancer surgery. This unit outlines the various medical indemnity options available in Australia, focusing on ensuring that practitioners have adequate coverage for their level of practice. The importance of checking with insurers for specific procedural coverage, such as skin grafts and flaps, is emphasised, as well as how to navigate the complexities of retroactive cover.

This course is an essential resource for healthcare professionals seeking to refine their practice in skin cancer surgery, wound care, and understanding the legal and financial aspects of their work.