Push to assess COVID-19 treatment eligibility prior to infection College launches new guidelines to support GPs assessing the best approach for vulnerable patients before they test positive.
Clarity over longer telehealth phone consultations The new item numbers will be available from Tuesday 19 July, but GPs will not be able to claim for services already delivered.
Big fluctuations in PBS antiviral use by state The ability to issue life-saving COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments via the PBS may have so far largely depended on where prescribers work.
Concerns over vulnerable patients missing COVID-19 oral antivirals Patients in some areas are reportedly struggling to access treatments on the PBS in a timely way, even with a prescription.
Text reminders mooted for at-risk COVID-19 patients The Federal Health Minister has asked department officials for advice on ways of further raising awareness of oral antiviral treatments.
Trial shows muted impact of Paxlovid on healthier patients New data confirms limited efficacy for those at ‘standard risk’, with more positive results for higher risk cohorts.
First real-world studies on COVID-19 oral antivirals emerge Pre-print studies are beginning to flesh out understanding of efficacy, suggesting Paxlovid may have a greater impact – particularly on at-risk older people.
Relapse reports ‘don’t undermine Paxlovid capability’ Rare cases of COVID-19 rebounding after patients have taken a course of the new oral antiviral treatment have been widely reported.
Paxlovid update In this special COVID-19 episode, The Good GP interviews Professor Michael Kidd AM, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, on Paxlovid in light of its imminent listing on the PBS. This episode explores who’ll benefit from antivirals, the efficacy of Paxlovid, availability and the contraindications and interactions.
Paxlovid goes on PBS as GPs urged to avoid private prescribing This is the first week the COVID-19 treatment has been available on the PBS, meaning two oral antiviral medications can now be prescribed by general practice.