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.
Government announces last-minute delay of new telehealth rules Implementation of the proposed 30/20 and extended 80/20 restrictions have been deferred for at least the next three months.
‘Large potential burden’: Long COVID warning for GPs The number of patients with lingering symptoms will almost certainly rise, with one expert calling it a ‘very significant’ public health challenge.
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.
Health Secretary urged to delay telehealth rule changes Proposed changes to MBS claiming rules should be further deferred, the RACGP has said in a letter to Professor Brendan Murphy.
‘A real public health risk’: Study cites mobile phones as ‘Trojan horse’ in infection control Using swabs and DNA extraction, new research claims to have uncovered the fullest picture yet of the microbes found on mobile phones, with big implications for healthcare workers.
‘Major problem’: Winter COVID-19 vaccine doses under scrutiny Aged care facilities are being pushed to give all eligible residents a vaccine before the end of June, the Department of Health has confirmed.
Pharmacy pilot a ‘solution’ that would only cause bigger problems The facts simply do not support a narrative being promoted by vested interests who would be the only ones to benefit from pharmacy prescribing, according to RACGP leadership.
Study indicates vitamin D deficiency can lead to dementia New research suggests low levels of vitamin D are associated with lower brain volumes, and an increased risk of dementia and potentially stroke.
‘Really encouraging’ first RACGP meeting with new health minister A group from the college has visited the incoming Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler as he gets his feet under a new desk in Canberra.