With the Australian Government announcement of a universal telehealth model, North Coast primary health care providers are now able to deliver essential Medicare-funded services remotely to ensure continued access to primary care during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
The telehealth model involves the adoption of video and phone consultations to create a ‘safe zone’ for delivering primary health care.
Remote consultations can help to:
- reduce the exposure to COVID-19 infection.
- maintain our local primary health care frontline.
- deliver care continuity for chronic and/or complex patients.
- reduce the demand on PPE supply.
- reduce the demand on local hospital emergency departments.
Some North Coast primary health care providers may choose to adopt a 100% remote model. Others will implement remote consultations alongside continued face-to-face appointments, for example:
- when a full physical examination or procedure cannot be deferred, or
- when technology cannot be used (e.g. when a patient is confused and there is no-one on hand to help), or
- when PPE, if it is needed, is available.
The move to telehealth is twofold – it means using new technologies and, as importantly, developing new workflows for your patient consultations. Both are needed for success.
North Coast PHN has produced a range of new local telehealth resources including MBS summaries for general practice and mental health service providers, an updated patient triage example flowchart, plus a 2-page guide and checklist.
These resources are being updated regularly as the COVID-19 situation develops and we will share any updated versions on our website and to our newsletter subscribers. Download the current resources below or visit www.hnc.org.au/coronavirus-information#tele