GPs with serious underlying health issues should be exempt from Medicare’s ‘existing relationship’ rule for phone and video consults, the RACGP says.  

Introduced in July 2020 at the request of the college, the rule limits the item to doctors whose practice has seen the patient face-to-face at least once in the previous 12 months.  

There are exceptions for doctors treating homeless patients, infants under 12 months, patients of Aboriginal Medical Services and patients isolating under public health orders.

But the college says GPs who are immunocompromised or in isolation because they’ve tested positive for COVID-19 or because they’re considered a close contact, should be added to the list so they can continue to safely provide care to patients.