Medicare to cover tele docs
FROM today all Australians will be able to stay at home and consult their doctor, nurse, psychologist or physiotherapist over the phone.
Medicare rebates have been extended to cover phone consults with a wide array of health workers to stop the spread of COVID-19 through medical waiting rooms.
The $669 million initiative will be available for GP services, medical specialists, nurse practitioners, mental health treatment, chronic disease management, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments, services to people with eating disorders, pregnancy support counselling, services to patients in agedcare facilities, children with autism and after-hours consultations.
The consultations will be over the phone or using video platforms such as Facetime, Skype, Zoom or medical software packages via a website.
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president Dr Harry Nespolon said it would “change medicine for Australians forever”.
“In two weeks COVID-19 has delivered more changes to the way we deliver health than the last 50 years, and it will be more efficient and more effective,” he said.
Health Minster Greg Hunt said the telehealth rebates would be in place until September 30, when they will be reviewed.
The move will also allow older doctors at greater risk of COVID-19 and medicos in isolation because they have been will tell you that holding a patient’s hand can often be the fastest way to soothe them. If there’s no one in your home to give you a cuddle, try ordering a weighted blanket online, or making your own. It’s also valid and valuable to admit to yourself you are craving touch. Give yourself permission to feel sad about this, and plan to address it as soon as you are able (hug those grandkids extra hard when this virus passes, or book in a massage to look forward to). exposed to the virus to continue to work.
To encourage GPs to provide telehealth and bulk bill patients the $6.30 bulk billing incentive they receive for treating pensioners and children under the age of 16 will be doubled to $12.60.
This is paid on top of the $38.20 Medicare rebate for a standard consultation.
And to ensure practices stay open to provide face to face services the practice incentive payment the Government pays GPs will also be increased.
It is understood any doctor providing telehealth will have to be linked to a physical practice to prevent exploitation of the new rules by groups who want to only provide telehealth.
Dr Nespolon said there had been a 20 to 50 per cent downturn in GP business as a result of COVID-19 with infection fears keeping patients away from medical practices.
The Government also hopes in the next two months to finalise a new electronic prescription system.
Doctors would be able to send a prescription up to a prescription registry and it could be downloaded by any pharmacy.
Alternatively they could give patients a screenshot of the prescription barcode that could be supplied to any pharmacist.
Melbourne GP Mukesh Haikerwal said patients could help with telehealth by providing home blood pressure and blood sugar readings and heart rate readings from their smart watches or fitness trackers.
GEELONG r esidents could save themselves from loneliness and help vulnerable animals by adopting or fostering a furry friend during the coronavirus pandemic.
Western Victorian MP
Andy Meddick, of the Animal Justice Party, is calling on Australians to give a helping hand to animals and volunteering to become a foster carer or adopt a pet.
Mr Meddick said that across the country there were companion animals in shelters and pounds that would be impacted by COVID-19, with fewer people adopting animals and less staff at shelters.
Mr Meddick said adopting or fostering a pet was also the perfect way to fight loneliness and have companionship during these uncertain times.
“Finding temporary homes for dogs and cats so shelter staff and volunteers can be protected is really important right now,” Mr
Meddick said. Fostering an animal was also a great way to receive comfort and ease stress.
“Companion animals offer only unconditional love, support and a feeling of safety — which is really what Victorians need right now.”
“If you are after some companionship during this time of isolation, reach out to your local shelter.”
To find out more visit: gaws.org.au.