The rebranded Healthdirect hotline – 1800MEDICARE – is now operational across Australia as part of the federal government’s pledge to make healthcare more accessible.
The free 24/7 health advice line and after-hours GP telehealth service, backed by Medicare, has expanded to cover all states and territories under one consistent national service.
The expanded service was part of a $204.5 million election promise from the Labor government.
The line, which became operation on January 1, is staffed by registered nurses who can triage calls with the option of providing access to a bulk billed consultation with an after-hours GP via phone or video.
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It was backed by the RACGP when it was announced prior to the election. President Dr Michael Wright said it was a positive step forward that would help more people access care when they needed it.
“It will help more GPs across Australia provide after-hours care on weekends and during the week,” he said.
But he also said it must integrate with existing general practice care.
“GPs and practice teams are needed by their communities more than ever before. There’s no substitute for the high-quality care you get from a specialist GP who knows you and your history,” he said.
“We’re the ones with the training and expertise to make sure that patients have all their health needs properly seen to.”
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Announcing the service’s operation this month Health Minister Mark Butler said 1800MEDICARE would work with existing services, supports local care, and “will help divert people with less serious health concerns away from emergency departments and towards more appropriate health care”.
Western Australia had the longest emergency department wait times nationally in the past year and AMA (WA) President Dr Kyle Hoath described the demand on the state’s hospitals during the winter period as “a full-blown health emergency”.
RELATED: WA patients wait the longest in emergency departments
Cheaper medicines
The start of the new year also saw the new lowered price cap on PBS listed medicines come into effect.
The maximum amount for such prescription medicine is now $25, reduced from $30.
The capped prices are available to all Australians when they get their PBS prescriptions filled.
Pensioners and concession cardholders will continue to access reduced-cost medications for $7.70.
A commitment has been made for the cap on medication prices for those eligible for the concession to stay as it is until 2030.
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