COVID Bulletin - 17 March 2020

These regular bulletins will update you on the latest developments in relation to COVID-19 and its impact on general practice.

These updates are current as at 17 March 2020.

The RACGP website is updated as new information becomes available.

Daily Health Alerts by the Department of Health (DoH) are also available.

MBS item numbers for phone and video consultations

The RACGP website provides summary information on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item numbers recently announced by the Government for the delivery of bulk-billed telephone and video consultations. These item numbers are currently available for consultations with specific patient populations.

The RACGP are advocating for these item numbers to be expanded to be more flexible for GPs and patients.

 

PPE availability

We are aware of a worldwide shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and are working hard with the government to ensure general practice has access to the national stockpile of PPE, so you are safe to deliver quality care to your patients. As PPE becomes available, it will be distributed through your local Primary Health Network (PHN).

 

Have you joined your faculty Facebook group?

Each RACGP faculty (national and state) now has its own dedicated Facebook group for you to join and get direct updates about what’s happening in your local area. This is another way you can stay across what’s happening locally with regard to COVID-19. To gain access to the private faculty Facebook groups, you’ll be prompted to:

• Provide your membership ID number and email address registered with the RACGP
• Agree to read and comply with the group guidelines

It’s as easy as find your group, answer the prompts and stay updated.

Access the latest updates from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). In summary:

• As of 9.30 am 16 March 2020, Victoria has 71 total confirmed cases, and no deaths.
• The Victorian Government declared a State of Emergency in Victoria on Monday 16 March 2020.
• COVID-19 assessment/screening clinics are now established at 19 Victorian hospitals. Patients who have symptoms compatible with COVID-19 may present to these assessment centres.
• There are swabs and reagent kits shortage. Testing is limited to only patients who meet the suspected case definition and a single swab per test.
• High-risk patients and healthcare workers tests are to be prioritised.

 

COVID-19 weekly webinars

Date:	Weekly on Mondays
Time:	6.00-7.00 pm AEDT
Venue:	Online
Cost:	Free

 

RACGP Victoria, together with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Victoria, are hosting weekly Coronavirus update webinars on Monday evenings.

Presented by:

• Dr Annaliese van Diemen, Deputy Chief Health Officer DHHS
• Dr Cameron Loy, RACGP Victoria Faculty Chair
• Dr Karen Price and Dr Anita Munoz, RACGP Victoria Faculty Deputy Chairs

Topics:

• Social distancing
• Quarantine breaking
• Swab restrictions
• Telehealth
• High-risk definitions
• Vaccines including FluVax
• Sick Doctors
• DHHS request for taskforce participants (see Item below)