How would a shift to US-style managed care impact general practice? GPs may be about to find out following an ACCC decision that has left medical groups nervous.
‘There is airborne transmission’ – but still no sign of PPE upgrades While the latest COVID outbreak in Australia has seen people become infected via only ‘fleeting contact’, consensus guidelines on aerosol protection remain under review.
‘Psychological PPE’ as important as gloves and goggles The COVID pandemic has amplified healthcare workers’ mental health concerns, making self-care more important than ever.
RACGP questions smoking cessation MBS items The proposed temporary Medicare item numbers risk fragmentation at the expense of comprehensive primary care, the college has warned.
Identifying and treating vaccine-linked blood clots in general practice Other than age, there are ‘no known risk factors’ associated with developing blood clots with low platelets following an AstraZeneca vaccination, but GPs can still take steps to protect patients.
COVID vaccine rollout program to add 900 general practices Expressions of interest are open and any practice that participates in the National Immunisation Program will be eligible to apply.
New outbreak shows Australia must get vaccinated by ‘whatever means necessary’ The revelation that three of the new COVID cases in Victoria had not been immunised despite being eligible has spurred calls for authorities to open up vaccination hubs to whoever presents.
TGA decision will ‘open up’ general practice to Pfizer Australia’s medical regulator has said the COMIRNATY coronavirus vaccine can now be stored in standard fridges for up to a month.
Australian authorities update side effect advice on AstraZeneca vaccine The ATAGI release confirms most over-50s can receive the vaccine, and that the rare blood clotting linked to AstraZeneca can be treated effectively.
How can Australia fix the issue of COVID vaccine maldistribution? Undersupply has driven hundreds of general practices to quit the vaccine rollout as thousands of doses sit unused at mass vaccination clinics.