Medicare to pay $25 ‘bonus’ to GPs treating COVID-19 patients
Greg Hunt says his new item can be claimed with any other item billed during a face-to-face consult
GPs are being offered a $25 ‘bonus’ payment for treating patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.
The new Medicare item, expected to be rolled out next month, will be claimed in addition to any item billed by the GP, provided the patient is treated face to face rather than via telehealth.
The move is an attempt to deal with the expected rise in cases following the end of the country’s lockdown restrictions.
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said it should help cover the cost of PPE and other safeguards.
