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COVID-19: Update from the Chief Health OfficerDevelopments in the outbreak
Updated advice to clinicians
Health alertAccess to care facilities is now limitedIn light of the COVID-19 pandemic, DHHS has enacted access limits in care facilities from 8 April which may impact the provision of services:
For more information visit https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-daily-update Digital upload: a new way to refer to SEMPHN-funded servicesAs our Access & Referral team and providers adjust to the new working environments, some organisations have advised they are experiencing issues with faxing referrals to A&R. A new process has therefore been established that will facilitate a secure upload of referrals online. Ways you can refer to SEMPHN services:
Visit our Access and Referral page for more information TelehealthGuidance for remote consultationsRecent updates to the HealthVitalIT guidance on remote consultations include a checklist and a section on etiquette. Did you know that the RACGP supports the use of Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp etc for use in clinical settings? (See page 10 of their video consultation guide.) If you are billing the MBS telehealth items, SEMPHN can provide you with free access to HealthDirect's VideoCall platform. VideoCall helps with the workflow of video consultations. To find out more, contact the Digital Health team at digitalhealth@semphn.org.au. MBSChanges to MBS telehealth itemsAs of 6 April, the MBS telehealth items are no longer bulk bill only, unless the patient is a Commonwealth concession cardholder, under 16 years old, or is more vulnerable to COVID-19. Read more on the MBS news page. Quality ImprovementTemporary change to PIP QI fundingA temporary change has been made to the PIP QI (Practice Incentive Payment, Quality Improvement) funding levels. For the next two PIP quarters, the funding will be doubled: $10 per Standard Whole Patient Equivalent (SWPE), increased from $5 per SWPE, and the quarterly payment cap raised from $12,500 to $25,000. This increase is conditional upon the practice continuing to offer face-to-face consultations for at least four hours per day (this will be monitored via MBS claims data). Update for MATOD, pharmacotherapy prescribers and pharmaciesNew resources with important advice and clinical guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are now available, relating to providing Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence (MATOD) treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Included in this advice you will find:
If you have any questions, please contact the Area 4 Pharmacotherapy Network:
Cancer resourcesSupporting patients with cancer during COVID-19A diagnosis of cancer can be challenging at the best of times, and the COVID-19 pandemic may be an especially difficult time for people undergoing cancer treatment and their families. If you’re reaching out to people with cancer you might like to share this video message from the Cancer Council. If you’re seeking credible resources for patients and their families:
For health professionals, Cancer Australia also has an up-to-date hub with evidence-based guidance for the management of patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Professional development and events
For all events, visit SEMPHN's event calendar. |