News
In Practice: Telehealth exemptions for PCR tests extended
Patients who meet the COVID ‘high-risk’ criteria have had the telehealth temporary exemption rule extended to 31 December.
Eligible patients can continue to receive telehealth or phone consultations to seek a request for a COVID-19 PCR test.
Also included in this week’s round up are updates to the Vaccine Clinic Finder and the Standards for general practices for clinical emergencies, as well as upskilling opportunities for allergy and maternity care.
Extension of ‘high-risk’ GP telehealth exemption for PCR referrals
As of 31 March, the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoH) has extended the COVID-19 high-risk group temporary exemption from the telehealth established relationship requirement to 31 December.
This exemption to the established relationship requirement was introduced on 24 December 2022 and was due to expire last month on 31 March. The college previously wrote to the department expressing the need for such an extension and welcomes the Government’s action to ensure the accessibility of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.
The exemption means any GP can provide a telehealth consultation to patients who:
- do not meet the established clinical relationship requirement
- are eligible for Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule criteria for antiviral therapy
- are experiencing acute respiratory symptoms
- are seeking a request to a private pathologist for PCR testing in relation to COVID-19.
This exemption allows patients who meet the criteria above to continue to receive a telehealth or phone consultation for the purpose of seeking a request for a Medical Benefits Schedule PCR test.
Updated Service Finder replaces the Vaccine Clinic Finder
The DoH has partnered with Healthdirect Australia to transition the Vaccine Clinic Finder to Healthdirect Australia’s existing Service Finder, which is now the best place for consumers to find and book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
The Service Finder has been enhanced in its look, feel and usability, helping consumers to find a nearby health service.
Key functionality for users includes:
- search and guided search for over 300,000 health services
- available in 16 languages (including English)
- available real-time click-to-book appointments at COVID-19 and influenza vaccination clinics
- accessibility for screen-readers
- filterable by preferences for services that offer bulk-billing, telehealth appointments, wheelchair accessibility and more.
Connect with the Service Finder online.
Standards update: Preparation for potential clinical emergencies
Important updates were recently made to the
Standards for general practices (5th edition) to reflect the expectation for practices to be prepared for potential clinical emergencies. The updates included a change from cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to basic life support (BLS) training for all practice staff.
Based on member feedback and the unintended consequences of the proposed change, the RACGP has reverted this requirement back to CPR for all clinical and non-clinical staff (to complete CPR training at least once every three years).
Having an AED is now mandatory in the Standards. Accredited general practices have a transition period of 12 months in which to meet this requirement. Both the html and PDF versions of the Standards reflect these changes, which are also outlined in
this factsheet.
The Standards team can be contacted with any questions via
standards@racgp.org.au
Shared care for allergy: Health professional and community engagement meetings
The
Shared care for allergy project aims to improve access to care for people with allergic diseases, especially those living in rural and remote areas.
During May and June 2023, the National Allergy Council is holding multiple engagement meetings with health professionals, consumers, primary care providers and PHNs to look at ways to improve access to care.
There are open face-to-face meetings being held in cities and regional centres around Australia. RACGP members are encouraged to be part of these conversations.
A full list of dates, locations, and links to register is available
online. For more information, email
info@nationalallergy.org.au
RACGP Maternity moments webinar series
History, examination, investigation, treatment and management are crucial to the
GP’s role in supporting and providing high-quality care to patients during their pre-conception, pregnancy and postpartum journey.
But how can time-poor clinicians best ensure the important questions and information are passed on in a timely manner, follow clinical guidelines and provide meaningful, patient-centred care at this important time?
Dr Wendy Burton, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Antenatal and Postnatal Care, has created a short, sharp educational lunchtime
webinar series from 1.00 – 1.30 pm (AEDT) with the busy GP in mind. Participants will follow the consult journey of:
Log in below to join the conversation.
In Practice PCR test Standards for general practices telehealth Vaccine Clinic Finder
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