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Information for GPs

Latest COVID-19 advice for general practice including information on testing criteria, the vaccine rollout, financial support and personal protective equipment.

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Long COVID and COVID-19 recovery

Post-COVID-19 Syndrome or ‘Long COVID’ may be considered as symptoms extending beyond 12 weeks from initial symptom onset. While knowledge and understanding of post COVID-19 conditions is still evolving, there is some evidence to suggest it may be experienced by up to 30 per cent of people who had a COVID-19 infection and may not be related to the severity of their illness.

Long COVID Pathways

To support General Practitioners and other Health Professionals caring for patients experiencing post COVID-19 symptoms, Healthpathways has published a Long COVID pathway. COVID-19 HealthPathways are regarded as the key sources of truth for clinicians relating to COVID-19. If you are a clinician and don’t have access to HealthPathways, please contact the team on 07 3630 7300 or healthpathways@brisbanenorthphn.org.au.

Useful Long COVID resources

Clinical resources
Patient resources
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Caring for patients

To streamline and simplify processes for consumers to access care and information about their COVID-19 infection, all consumers will be directed to the National Coronavirus Helpline 1800 020 080 supported by the HealthDirect Coronavirus (COVID-19) Symptom Checker. The additional option of completing the Queensland Health’s COVID-19 Care Self-Checker will no longer be available from 4:00 pm on 28 July 2022.

GPs should refer to their local HealthPathways for up-to-date information on the clinical management of these patients, including escalation pathways if people deteriorate and referral to disease modifying treatments such as monoclonal antibodies.

Testing patients for COVID-19

For the latest information on COVID-19 testing, visit Queensland Health’s COVID-19 testing requirements webpage.

COVID-19 testing requirements

Escalating a patient with COVID-19 to Metro North Health Virtual ED or COVID virtual ward

If you require urgent COVID clinical advice (eg. deteriorating patient, access for monoclonal antibodies) or referral to Virtual Ward:

**These numbers are for clinician contact only and should not be shared with patients**

Contact the Metro North Health Virtual ED:

  • Hours: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, 7 days a week.
  • Phone: 1300 847 833

Outside of these hours, contact the Metro North Health COVID-19 virtual ward by phone:

  • 1300 013 377
  • 07 3074 2109
  • Via switch on 07 3646 8111

Patient self-testing tools

Most people can manage COVID-19 at home and are advised to utilise the tools and helplines below in the first instance they suspect they have COVID-19.

Access HealthDirect Australia COVID-19 symptom checker to answer questions about your symptoms to see if you need to seek medical help or get tested.

National Coronavirus Hotline 1800 020 080 - Available 24 hours a day 7 days per week, with an interpreter available (press 8).

Polymerase chain reaction tests (PCR)

PCR tests are no longer required to confirm a positive rapid antigen test (RAT).

PCR tests are available where RATs cannot be accessed.

PCR Testing sites

Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) - Positive Result Registration

A positive RAT result must be reported to Queensland Health. RATs can be purchased at pharmacies and retail stores.

Queensland Health have a limited supply at testing sites.

Reporting a positive rapid antigen test (RAT)

If they are unable to complete the above form or need help, they can call 134 COVID (134 268).

Note: if they took a PCR test at a testing clinic and received an SMS with a positive result, they do not need to report it. The testing clinic will report it to Queensland Health directly.

Telehealth

The Department of Health has extended the healthdirect Video Call COVID- 19 GP Program to 30 June 2023.

We encourage you to continue using this secure video consulting platform which has been purpose-built for primary care settings, in line with the changes to the telehealth MBS items.

Visit the healthdirect website

Face-to-face

Medicare continues to support medical practitioners providing clinically relevant treatment to COVID-19 positive people.

View MBS COVID-19 Management Support Service

National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce

The Taskforce works to provide the best COVID-19 evidence that supports clinicians to provide the best possible care for Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Taskforce undertakes continuous evidence surveillance to identify and rapidly synthesise emerging research in order to provide national, evidence-based guidelines for the clinical care of people with COVID-19.

View Taskforce website

HealthPathways

HealthPathways contains the most up to date information on support for COVID-19 patients. Your local COVID-19 Case Management HealthPathway is available for clinicians to provide clinical guidance on the assessment, triage and management of COVID-19 positive people in the community.

Visit HealthPathways

PPE suppliers in Australia

The PHN has made every effort to determine the legitimacy of these companies, but cannot guarantee their level of service. This information is being provided to support practices, but it is not an endorsement of the companies listed.

Download the list

I Stock 1302248535

Primary Care COVID-19 vaccine program

Where to direct your general practice queries

The PHN has developed a workflow diagram for GPs, to help you direct your COVID-19 vaccination queries to the right place. Please click through to view or download below.

Download the COVID vaccination query workflow

Pathways for vaccinating Greater Brisbane’s vulnerable people

Brisbane North PHN and Brisbane South PHN are working together to improve access to the COVID-19 vaccine for people who would benefit from additional support.

Download the resource

Flowchart for GP assessment of patients with suspected COVID-19

The flowchart for GP assessment of patients with suspected COVID-19 has been updated by the Queensland HealthPathway Community and GP Liaison Network.

View the flowchart

COVID-19 checklist

Brisbane North PHN have developed a primary healthcare service COVID-19 checklist. The checklist is designed as a support tool for COVID-19 practice readiness for general practices in the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region.

Download the checklist
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Financial support measures for general practice

There is a variety of support measures in place for general practices affected by the impact of COVID-19. These include support measures announced by the Australian Government, the Queensland Government, tax relief initiatives via the Australian Taxation Office and support packages from Australian banks.

Download the financial support measures


Drs4Drs support

Staffed by senior GPs and experienced counsellors trained in doctors’ health, Drs4Drs is a free medical service for GPs seeking support. An initiative from the Department of Health and Medical Board of Australia to ensure GPs have access to care and support when they need it. This is a 24/7, free and confidential service you can access by calling 1300 Dr4Drs (1300 374 377).

View more information


Health professionals disability advisory service

The COVID-19 Health Professionals Disability Advisory Service provides specialised advice for health professionals delivering care in primary or acute care settings. During COVID-19, some people with disability may require adjustments to their healthcare to ensure they receive COVID-19 testing and/or treatment with minimum distress.

Healthcare professionals can call the service from 8.00 am to 9.00 pm Monday to Friday on 1800 131 330.

Clinical practice resources

Reporting a COVID-19 death Managing COVID-19 in the workplace RACGP COVID-19 resources