Call to extend coronavirus hotspot support for GPs
Both NSW and Victoria are no longer deemed hotspots after reaching 80% double vaccination
GPs will be left in an “unfair” position unless the Federal Government extends hotspot declarations for areas where there is sustained COVID-19 transmission, the AMA says.
The declaration of a hotspot allows GPs to receive extra government support such as PPE from the national stockpile and greater access to MBS telehealth items.
It also allows GPs to conduct telehealth consults without having seen the patient in-person within the past 12 months.
And gives them access to a long phone consult item that was reintroduced in July specifically for COVID-19 outbreaks.
