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.
Hormonal contraception and mood disorders Laura Beaton chats with psychiatrist Professor Jayashri Kulkarni about the effects of the oral contraceptive pill on mood.
Expanded COVID antivirals access hindered by telehealth restrictions While more people are now eligible to receive treatment through the PBS, GPs warn that vulnerable patients risk being left behind due to a lack of MBS support for extended phone consultations.
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.
Government launches flu and COVID vaccine campaign At-risk patients have also been encouraged to talk to GPs about oral antiviral treatments if they are infected with COVID-19.
‘Convincing’ evidence the pill can cause depression And some types are worse than others, writes psychiatrist Professor Jayashri Kulkarni.
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.