Information for GPs
Latest COVID-19 advice for general practice including information on testing criteria, the vaccine rollout, financial support and personal protective equipment.
Changes to testing for COVID-19 and working with COVID-19 patients
As the Queensland COVID situation continues to rapidly evolve, we continue to work with the Department of Health and Queensland Health on updated pathways for COVID positive people in Queensland.
We acknowledge the announcements made at National Cabinet on 6 January 2022, including that patients no longer require a Confirmation PCR test after a positive RAT and are working through how these cases will be reported and managed.
If you are contacted by a COVID-19 positive patient for advice, you can provide the following information:
- stay/isolate at home for seven days, even if they cannot get a test immediately to confirm their diagnosis
- only call Triple Zero if they experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing/breathlessness, chest pain, fainting or dizziness, or any other medical emergency not related to COVID-19
- phone 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or 134 COVID (13 42 68) for other health advice
- visit Queensland Health - I have COVID-19 for further information on what to do if they test positive.
RACGP home-care guidelines for patients with COVID-19 is available to download here.
Escalating a patient with COVID-19 to Metro North 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 MNHHS Virtual ED:
- Hours: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, 7 days a week.
- Phone: 1300 847 833
Outside of these hours, contact the MNHHS COVID-19 virtual ward by phone:
- 1300 013 377
- 07 3074 2109
- Via switch on 07 3646 8111
Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) - Positive Result Registration
If a patient tests positive in a rapid antigen test (RAT) it is very likely that they have COVID-19 and must immediately isolate and report their positive test result so they can be contacted for support.
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.
Latest COVID-19 news
Brisbane North PHN will continue to provide the latest information on COVID-19. For further information, please contact your Primary Care Liaison Officer on 07 3630 7300 or email covid19@brisbanenorthphn.org.au.
Read our recent updates
Primary Care COVID-19 vaccine program
Where to direct your general practice queries
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.
COVID-19 assessment and management HealthPathway
This pathway has been endorsed by State Health Emergency Coordination Centre to guide primary care management of COVID‑19 in the state.
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.
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.
healthdirect Video Call
The healthdirect Video Call service is available to general practices, Aboriginal Medical Services and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in Australia until 30 June 2022 under a special funding arrangement from the Australian Department of Health.
This funding provision enables telehealth as a whole-of-population model of care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MBS-related coronavirus information
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
Virtual emergency department hotline
The Virtual ED service has been developed by Metro North HHS to provide GPs from the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region access to emergency medicine specialist advice over the phone (or via video conference).
Available Monday to Friday, 8.00 am - 5.30 pm. To connect with the service call 1300 847 833.
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.
Latest COVID-19 news
Brisbane North PHN will continue to provide the latest information on COVID-19. For further information, please contact your Primary Care Liaison Officer on 07 3630 7300 or email covid19@brisbanenorthphn.org.au.
Subscribe to COVID-19 updates from Queensland Health and the Department of Health:
