GPs can refuse to treat patients with COVID-19 in person despite mandatory isolation periods being axed — provided they offer alternative care, such as telehealth, Avant says.

The nationwide decision to scrap mandatory isolation last month has raised concerns about the infection risk to doctors and vulnerable patients, with COVID-19-positive patients now free to mingle in the community. 

Legally, it is a question of whether ‘discriminating’ against COVID-19-positive patients is considered “reasonable”, says Georgie Haysom, Avant’s general manager of advocacy, education and research. 

“Unless the discrimination is reasonable, a GP or GP practice can’t discriminate against a patient by refusing to treat the patient on the grounds of disability — having COVID-19 or presumed COVID-19,” she said.