Book OnlineWe have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure that we continue to provide the high level of care that you are used to whilst also monitoring the situation. We will continue to change and adapt to the way we practice whilst keeping abreast of the changing conditions of the outbreak, in order to maintain a safe environment for our patients.
The coronavirus is a new and emerging disease and as we are now seeing more cases reported, it is clear we will soon be dealing with cases that are transmitted amongst the community. What we are also learning is the potential of serious health consequences this virus can have, especially amongst our vulnerable patients (elderly, chronic illnesses and immunosuppressed).
The majority of those infected will have mild symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat and lethargy) and will need minimal treatment to be able to return to good health. Younger patient groups and children are expected to fall into this category.
We ask you as a member of our practice community to please help us limit the spread of this illness. Please inform our staff if you have had symptoms, travelled overseas in the last 14 days or had contact with a confirmed or suspected coronavirus case. We will then be able to assess where we can most safely see and treat you. It may be over the phone or video consultation, or if we need to examine you it will be in our separate area via a different entrance. Included in this special clinic are coughs, colds, runny noses, flu like symptoms and return to work clearances.
You may notice some changes to what we do and how we do them, which currently includes;
- Phone calls prior to your appointment to ask some screening questions about your risk of having the virus (updated daily according to current state guidelines)
- separating those with symptoms of possible coronavirus to be seen at our purpose room, with a separate entrance (patients will be advised if this is applicable to them)
- wearing masks (both doctor and patient) if someone has symptoms of coronavirus, and meets criteria for testing
- offering phone consultations
- offering telehealth (video) consultations
The government is supporting phone and video consultations for some vulnerable groups via the provision of an MBS rebate, the groups are
- People 70 and above
- People with confirmed coronavirus or those who are quarantined with coronavirus or under the one years old
- Pregnant women
- If you have a chronic health conditions
- Anyone who is immunosuppressed
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients over 50
Telephone and Video consultations are still available outside of the above groups, however you will not be eligible for a Medicare rebate, an out of pocket fee will incur.
Please stay safe and healthy, we look forward to looking after you and all of our patients, you are part of our family and community. Thank you again for trusting your health care to the team at Health e Medical centre.