See your GP from a distance

HOW you interact with your health providers is changing.

Part of the Federal Government package to promote social distancing includes a change to the Medicare entitlement for health visits when accessing GP services.

Traditionally rebates are only available for face-to-face consultations but moving forward many consultations can generate a rebate using phone or video.

The Government is still restricting this rebate to select patient groups only at this stage so for some there may still be a fee.

Telehealth appointments with your GP is an important method to reduce the numbers of people circulating in the community and in medical centre waiting rooms and it will enable more and more people to stay at home.

GP clinics are partnering with pharmacies, imaging and pathology providers so that scripts and forms can be delivered straight to the relevant business and most pharmacies are offering home delivery.

Your GP is likely to assess your cough, cold or COVID-19 symptoms on the phone as a way of deciding if it is safe for you to remain at home or whether you need testing.

GPS are skilled at assessing all of your concerns over the phone or video and when needed we can still arrange for a face-to-face consultation in a safe way.

Each practice will also have plans for how the flu vaccine and childhood vaccines can be given in a safe manner without requiring crowding or mixing sick with well people so keep in contact with them to be aware of their plan.

Most coughs and colds will not need antibiotics and most chronic health conditions can be managed remotely, especially mental health concerns. Call your GP to discuss which type of appointment is best for you when you next are considering an appointment.

GPS in Townsville remain at work and at your service helping you and your family through this extraordinary time.