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POLAR data tool for general practices

NWMPHN’s clinical audit tool is Population Level Analysis and Reporting (POLAR).

POLAR is a data extraction tool for general practices, provided by Melbourne-based not-for-profit Outcome Health.

A clinician extracts data from a computer in-practice

It is available free to all accredited general practices (or practices undergoing accreditation) in the NWMPHN region.

POLAR securely extracts data from practice software. NWMPHN supports practices to interpret and act on this data for quality improvement and business development, enabling better patient-centred care.

Sharing data also allows practices to qualify for the Australian Government’s Practice Incentives Program Quality Improvement (PIP QI) incentive program.

On 1 July 2025, NWMPHN changed the provider of its funded general practice clinical audit tool from Pen CS (CAT4) to Outcome Health.

About POLAR

Using data from your clinical and billing software, POLAR can assist your practice to:

POLAR by outcome health logo

  • Meet quality improvement requirements under the PIP QI incentive program.
  • Identify patient eligibility for health assessments, care plans, team care arrangements and reviews, and mental health treatment plans.
  • Recall patients for immunisations, screening tests and other preventative health items.
  • Streamline business processes, including practice accreditation, through improved data quality and records.
  • Improve patient outcomes.

To receive this free service, you must agree to provide NWMPHN with de-identified practice data. This helps us identify system gaps and work towards developing better services for the community.

To find out more about POLAR, click here to access our frequently asked questions (.pdf).

POLAR introduction sessions

POLAR update: session 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7Zpqzme8_Q

POLAR update: session 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJGSYksFbNI