Information for GPs
Latest COVID-19 advice for general practice including information on testing criteria, the vaccine rollout, financial support and personal protective equipment.
Caring for patients
General practices are being asked to focus on care for people with moderate risk. People triaged as moderate risk through the National Coronavirus Helpline and COVID-19 symptom checker are advised to seek care from their GP. The vast majority of care will be delivered by telehealth.
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.
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.
COVID care self-checker- A clinical self-assessment tool designed to help patients understand what healthcare they may need based on their symptoms and other risk factors.
National Coronavirus Hotline 1800 020 080 - Available 24 hours a day 7 days per week, with an interpreter available (press 8).
Queensland Health Automated Assessment Service Billie the Bot - Adults 1800 953 919 | Youth (less than 16 years) 1800845 298
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.
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 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.
Visit the healthdirect website
Face-to-face
Until 30 June 2022, a temporary Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item has been made available 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.
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.
HealthPathway
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.
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.
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).
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.
