AACMA Newsletter - 13 December 2024

13 December 2024

 

This Issue:

• Merry Everything and Happy Always!

• A Message from WFAS: Participate in the Spring Festival Gala

• Defence Health’s Notice for Remedial Providers

• Additional Modalities Added to TUH

• VALE Leonie Howes

• Participants Needed for Research Study (Anonymous Online Survey)

• Research Participation: Member Participation Required

• Endeavour: Diploma of Health Science (Chinese Remedial Massage) Qualification

• Renew Your Membership Before December 31 to Avoid a Late Fee

• AACMAC 2025, July 25-27, Brisbane: Call for Abstracts!

• New Jing-Luo Article: Are You a Master in Modern Times?

• Have you submitted your CPD card?

• Moving or Adding a New Clinic?

 

Merry Everything and Happy Always!

To all our members, educators, researchers and suppliers, the AACMA Board and Staff wish you all the best for this holiday season and a new year of fulfillment, potential, growth and opportunities.

Thank you for trusting us as your professional association to represent you, provide you with the best member exclusive services and professional advocacy.

Please note, our office will be closed from Monday 23rd December 2024 and will reopen on Thursday 2nd January 2025.

Looking forward to achieving even more in 2025.

 

A Message from WFAS- Participate in the Spring Festival Gala

Notice on Holding the 2025 Online Spring Festival Gala and Call for Performance Videos of the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies

In 2025, let's cross the mountains and rivers and connect every domestic and overseas lovers of traditional medicine through International Online Spring Festival Gala of TCM Acupuncture-Moxibustion. On the occasion of ringing out the old year and ringing in the new, the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) will hold the 2025 Online Spring Festival Gala. We sincerely invite colleagues of TCM acupuncture and moxibustion in different associations in the world who care about the cause of TCM acupuncture and moxibustion to gather together to show the world the unique charm of TCM acupuncture and moxibustion and the spirit of the world’s traditional medical colleagues. Let’s celebrate the 2025 Spring Festival together!

I.Deadline of video submission: January 5th, 2025

II.New Year Greetings

1.The content of the video (within 2 minutes)

Representatives of the associations participating in the greeting video briefly summarize the responsibilities of the association, contributions and achievements in the development of TCM acupuncture industry, introduce the work in 2024 and the outlook for 2025, and send New Year greetings to TCM workers all over the world.

2.Participants:

Well-known experts of TCM acupuncture and moxibustion, overseas vice president and executive committee member of WFAS, experts who have made outstanding achievements overseas, experts of working committee of WFAS, entrepreneurs, and presidents of member societies.

III. Art and cultural Programs:

(1) Dance: for all types of dances, there is no limit to the number of people, and group dances are preferred.

(2) Song: various singing forms including chorus, song with instrumental accompaniment, song and dance, etc.

(3) Language: sketch comedy, crosstalk, poetry reading, talk show, etc.

(4) Others: imitation show, model show, video dubbing, vlog and other forms of innovative programs. 

IV. Requirements for performance:

1.The content of performance should be positive, which may vary but should be able to render atmosphere, and may involve recent fashion, hotspots and theme

2. There is no limit to the forms of presenting.

3. Sketches, costumes and accompaniment required for the performance shall be prepared by yourself.

4. The organizer will select, edit and direct the declared performance videos based on the overall theme and style of the whole event.

V. Requirements for video and submission:

1. Please record the video clearly in landscape (horizontal) mode without logo. The length of a single dance or song performance shall be no longer than 5 minutes, and other types of performance shall be within 8 minutes. The video shall be in MP4 format with stable, high definition pictures (1080p or above) and be free of noise.

2. Please submit the video and performance information form before January 20th, 2024 by:

(1) Send the video as an attachment to <contact@wfas.org.cn>(size of video shall be within 2G)

(2) Wetransfer is recommended (https://wetransfer.com/), please send to contact@wfas.org.cn

(3) You may use Baidu netdisk to share videos. Google drive, Onedrive or Dropbox is not recommended.

(4) Performance information form includes: type of performance, name of performance, length of video, artist(s)/performer(s), contact person and means, organization/institution, and a short description of performance.

VI. Contacts: 

• Zheng Dan 15158772009
• Qiao Huijun 010-87194957
• Liu Jingyuan 010-87194955
• The Secretariat of World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies

 

Defence Health’s Notice for Remedial Providers

Defence Health will be conducting a peer behavioural analysis of their remedial providers over the next twelve months, commencing on 1 January 2025.

The decision to undertake this analysis stems from patterns observed in claims data, including instances of:

1. Billing for multiple initial consultations per patient, which attract higher charges and benefits.
    
2. Using HICAPS cards to claim for multiple individuals on the same policy in a manner that may inadvertently provide a single patient with a higher benefit and reduced out-of-pocket costs.

Defence Health sees it as an opportunity to learn more about the providers and acknowledge that each practice is different, so any findings will be met with sincere enquiry.

 

Additional Modalities Added to TUH

TUH updates cover on Extras from 1 January 2025

We are pleased to inform you that TUH Health Fund will be expanding our Extras cover to provide greater flexibility and support for our members. From 1 January 2025, we will:

• Include benefits for Chinese herbalism consultations under the Acupuncture limit.

This change reflects our commitment to supporting holistic health care options and providing greater access to valuable professional services for our members.

 

VALE Leonie Howes

AACMA Member Leonie Howes passed away suddenly.

A dedicated and caring practitioner who was motivated through her own path to good help, Leonie practised on the Gold Coast.

We offer our condolences to her family, colleagues and friends.

Funeral arrangements for any member who would like to attend Leonie’s funeral are:

We will be celebrating the beautiful life of Leonie Howes on Wednesday 18th December at 2pm Parkview Chapel Allambe Memorial Park (129 Nerang Broadbeach Road, Nerang QLD 4211).

Please join us after the service at Sanctuary Cove Golf Clubhouse, The Parkway, Sanctuary Cove  

 

Participants Needed for Research Study (Anonymous Online Survey)

A call to health professionals and consumers to consider participation in this research project

Project title: Healthcare professionals and consumers’ attitudes and knowledge of integrating acupuncture into mental health care in Australia: a mixed-methods study

My name is Binglei Chen, and I am a PhD candidate at Edith Cowan University. My research will explore the perceptions and knowledge of healthcare professionals and health care consumers who have experienced mental health challenges in relation to acupuncture and mental health care.

What we know so far
Acupuncture is currently being used in Australia to support mental health care, but the attitudes and understanding of healthcare professionals and consumers related to integrating acupuncture into mental health care has not been explored. This research project aims to explore this knowledge gap.

I am seeking:

• Health Practitioners who are registered in Australia and practicing in their respective healthcare field (e.g., doctors, nurses, allied health professionals) 
• Consumers (Patients/clients) who have lived-experience and used mental health services for conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, or similar issues

All participants must be 18 years of age or over, live in Australia, be able to complete a survey in English, and have access to the internet or a smart device.

What would participants be expected to do?
Participants will be asked to complete an anonymous online survey on their attitudes, knowledge, and experiences of acupuncture relate to mental wellbeing.

Direct weblinks to the online surveys can be found here:

• Practitioner Survey: https://eaecu.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eXt1kCKwK8gcBzU
• Consumer Survey: https://eaecu.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6hexamCjoR1n0Sq

Binglei Chen | PhD Candidate
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University 

 

Research Participation: Member Participation Required

Dear natural therapy association members,

My name is Kim McNaughton and I am undertaking my PhD with a research focus on the use and practice of natural therapies for supporting mental wellbeing in Australia. Some of you may already be familiar with my work from previous communications throughout the participant recruitment process for surveys, interviews and focus groups this year. 

I am happy to announce that the research data collection phase is almost complete. I only have one more focus group to conduct with up to 10 natural therapists. However, I have hit a glitch. 

This morning while conducting what I thought was my final focus group, I became aware that many participants were posing fraudulently as practitioners, and I had to call the session off for the sake of research integrity. Sadly, this is the second time this has happened with focus groups and people posing as practitioners (to claim a $30 gift voucher incentive). Hence, my contacting your associations at this late hour as most of us eagerly anticipate the holiday break. Engaging practitioner participants through recognised associations at least ensures the natural therapy industries in Australia are represented authentically by practitioners who can truly speak to their perceptions and experiences of what it is that natural therapies can provide to support people’s mental wellbeing. 

If you are able or feel inclined, I would deeply appreciate if this information could be shared among your practitioner networks. 

What is needed? 

Up to 10 practitioners from various modalities such as Aromatherapy, Ayurvedic medicine, Bowen therapy, Bush therapy, Traditional Chinese medicine, Chiropractic, Craniosacral therapy, Energy medicine, Feldenkrais, Homeopathy, Hypnotherapy, Iridology, Massage therapy, Myotherapy, Naturopathy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Osteopathy, Reflexology, Reiki, Somatic bodywork, sound healing, Osteopathy and yoga, to name a few. Expressions of interest can be registered here: https://uninewcastle.questionpro.com.au/EOI-FG-V2024  

For practitioners that are unable to attend a focus group session, a number of one-on-one interviews could also be arranged by emailing me at Kimie.McNaughton@uon.edu.au.   

I have attached the Participant Information Statements for focus groups and for interviews, along with an image for social media sharing, if applicable. 

• Participant Information Statement For focus groups 

• Participant Information Statement For interview (practitioners) 

Thank you for your time, attention and consideration regarding this research. I wish you a restful and enjoyable holiday period and thank you for any support provided already throughout 2024, or yet to come. I look forward to your reply. 

Kind regards,

Kim McNaughton | PhD Candidate
M Stud (TD) | Grad Dip Psych | B SocSci (Psych)    

School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences
College of Human and Social Futures 

M: +61 (0)478 229 898
E: kimie.mcnaughton@uon.edu.au  

 

Endeavour: Diploma of Health Science (Chinese Remedial Massage) Qualification

Attention members,

Bupa have recently approved the Diploma of Health Science (Chinese Remedial Massage) for provider recognition, CBHS and Australian Unity also do.

Please note not all health funds recognise this course we are currently working with them to do so.

If you have gained the Diploma of Health Science (Chinese Remedial Massage) qualification from Endeavour, please email certified copies of.

• Award/Graduate certificate
• Academic Transcripts

Please don’t hesitate to contact the membership team if you have any questions regarding the above on 07 3457 1800 or membership@acupuncture.org.au  

 

Renew Your Membership Before December 31 to Avoid a Late Fee

If you haven't completed the membership renewal, please don't forget to have it done by the end of year 2024. A late fee will occur if the renewal is not paid in full before 31st December.

To pay on online, please visit https://acupuncture.org.au/members/mymembership and click the ‘Renew Membership’ button. If it is your first time login, please click the ‘Forgotten Password’ button to set up a password. The Username is the email address that you have supplied to AACMA.

If paying online is not your thing, don’t worry, just call our National Office and one of our team will be happy to assist.

Please be advised the National Office will be closed from Monday 23rd December 2024 and will reopen on Thursday 2nd January 2025.

For those experiencing some financial challenges now, AACMA offers a post-payment plan for your consideration, which can be emailed to accounts@acupuncutre.org.au

Should you need any further assistance, please contact the AACMA National Office on 07 3457 1800 or email aacma@acupuncture.org.au

 

AACMAC 2025, July 25-27, Brisbane: Call for Abstracts!

Mark Your Calendars for AACMAC 2025: July 25-27, Sofitel Brisbane Central!

We are delighted to announce that our annual conference, AACMAC, will once again take place in Brisbane – the dynamic future host of the Olympics – from 25 to 27 July 2025, following another hugely successful event earlier this year.

This year’s venue, Sofitel Brisbane Central, offers 5-star luxury in the heart of the city, surrounded by must-visit restaurants, attractions, and shopping districts, with seamless access to Brisbane Airport via the Air Train.

Interested in presenting at AACMAC 2025? Our call for abstracts has begun.

Download the abstract submission form below and submit your abstract by returning the completed copy to events@acupuncture.org.au

The AACMAC 2025 theme is Empowering clinical practice: Enhancing patient outcomes  

This theme will cover any of the CM modalities acupuncture, herbs, tui na/bodywork-gua sha cupping, Qi gong/Tai chi, dietetics plus also research that shows improved clinical outcomes for patients from the various studies.

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION FORM

 

New Jing-Luo Article: "Am I a Master of Acupuncture in Modern Times?"

What does it mean to be a "master" in Chinese medicine today?

Robin Tim So’s article, just published Jing-Luo, *Am I a Master of Acupuncture in Modern Times?*, invites us to reflect on this timeless question. Explore how traditional wisdom meets modern practice and what true mastery entails.

This article also challenges us to reconsider the qualities we associate with mastery, from technical expertise to humility and adaptability—qualities that are vital in a rapidly changing world.

READ ARTICLE

 

Have you submitted your CPD card?

What are the requirements?

• complete a minimum of 20 hours (points) consisting of;
• 5 points (minimum) in an interactive setting with other practitioners
• 4 points related to professional issues (non-clinical issues)
• Outline of your Learning Goals / Objectives and Actual Outcomes
• Reflection on each activity, how it improved your skills / practice
• New graduates must complete a minimum of five (5) points for every three (3) months registration remaining.

When does the CPD year start and when is it due?

• The CPD year is from 1^st December to 30^th November as per your CMBA/AHPRA registration year.

AACMA requires members to email their completed CPD cards by November 30^th each year to ensure compliance with CMBA and Health Funds.

To download the CPD form click on the following link CPD Record Card or email aacma@acupuncture.org.au

For further information please refer to AHPRA’s Continuing Professional Development Guidelines  and the CMBA Registration Standards

Need more CPD points? Make the most of the CPD resources on AACMA Membership Portal

We have a range of free and low-cost recordings of AACMA webinars on the membership portal to assist with members’ continuing professional development. Simply log in as a member on www.acupuncture.org.au and click “CPD that may interest you - view all” on your dashboard, then scroll down to find the AACMA CPD recordings to watch and purchase.

 

Moving or Adding a New Clinic?

Please contact our membership team with your new clinic details by email at aacma@acupuncture.org.au so they can apply to the health funds for new provider numbers.

• Medibank only update:  deadline Sunday 8 December 2024 

• December monthly updates: deadline Thursday 19 December 2024
  
  *These dates are subject to change, due to health fund closure over the Christmas period, please note there may be long delays in obtaining your provider numbers.

Ceased practicing at a clinic, please provide the address and the ceased date so we can advise the health funds to remove your details.

To check your workplace details or membership go to our website https://www.acupuncture.org.au/ then

• Go to ‘Login’ at the top right-hand corner then
• Click ‘Member Login’ to log into the website your Username is your email address on AACMA’s record and the password you created.
• For the first time login, please click the ‘Forgotten Password’ button to set up a password.

If you have issues logging in or setting up a password, please don’t hesitate to contact the membership team 07 3457 1800 we are happy to assist you.

 

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