Queensland Health says it will reimburse GPs for privately purchased flu vaccines after medical practices were unaware of the government’s free flu initiative and raised concerns about pocket.
Key points:
- The state government has announced that people between the ages of 6 and 64 will be available at GPs and pharmacies until June 30.
- The announcement surprised GPs, with an influx of patients wanting free shots and clinics not knowing if they would be reimbursed for vaccines already purchased.
- Queensland Health has clarified the circumstances under which GPs and pharmacies will be reimbursed
It comes after general practitioners ’clinics did not find out Monday when the state government announced through the media that all Queensland residents could access a free flu shot until June 30 from from your GP or pharmacy.
Queensland Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the state government had set aside up to $ 40 million for the plan, which covered people aged six to 64.
GP clinics were unsure whether the cost of flu shots they had already bought but given during the free vaccination period would be reimbursed and they were struggling to get clarifications on Tuesday as they were flooded with people looking for the vaccine. free vaccine.
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath told ABC Radio Brisbane’s breakfast program on Tuesday that the government would cover the cost of the vaccines.
But on Tuesday afternoon, Queensland Health did not provide information on whether previously purchased flu vaccines would be reimbursed in response to CBA questions.
He confirmed in a document distributed to GPs on Tuesday night that his clinics would be reimbursed for privately acquired shares, saying more information would be provided on how reimbursements would work.
Acting Health Director Peter Aitken said in a letter to Queensland Health on Wednesday morning that the state government will reimburse the practice of privately acquired flu vaccines from May 24 to June 30, at a cost of $ 21.95 per dose.
The scheme does not change anything for people who receive free flu vaccines under the National Immunization Program: people 65 years of age or older, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children of six months to five years and those with medical conditions.
Doctors blinded by the ad
Australian Medical Association Board of Queensland General Practitioners Mary Boulton and Queensland Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Professor Bruce Willet said that while hosting the initiative, general practice clinics they had not received any information before the announcement to the media.
Dr. Boulton and Dr. Willett said medical receptionists had been crushed by calls from patients seeking the free vaccine as they tried to find out which vaccines could be given away for free, supplied, and whether they would be reimbursed for stock purchased.
Brisbane-based general practitioner Maria Boulton says GPs were waiting for clarification before being distributed for free. (ABC News: Emma Pollard)
Dr. Boulton said general practices had private stock of vaccines as well as vaccines given to them under the National Immunization Program.
She said they weren’t sure which ones to use.
“I think what the GP’s internship was expecting is written confirmation and details,” Dr. Boulton said.
“We wish all this had been resolved before the announcement was made in the media, to avoid any confusion.”
Bruce Willett says receptionists dealt with patient abuse for lack of information. (ABC News: Emma Pollard)
Receptionists police confrontation from the public
Dr. Willett said the receptionists bore the brunt of frustration with the problem.
“They are crushed and mistreated for not knowing what happens when no one has told us,” he said.
Dr Willett said there had been frantic communication with Queensland Health on Tuesday to ask for confirmation of how the reimbursement would be distributed to GPs.
Discovered on social media
Warwick Road Medical Practice Director Angie Walker told GPs they had not been told how the vaccines would be paid for. (Provided by: Angie Walker)
Warwick Road Medical Practice Director Angie Walker said she learned about the free flu vaccination initiative on social media.
He said that although it seemed like a wonderful scheme, he wanted to know who would pay for the doses that were already in practice.
“All we have is a handshake-like agreement to say that the government will compensate general practice and pharmacies for the cost, but we don’t know how it will work, there is no policy, no procedure, no established process “. she said.
“We know absolutely nothing and we are discovering it through social media and our patients.”
There have already been more than 7,825 cases of influenza in Queensland this year, with more than 150 people hospitalized and 10 in the ICU.
Posted 18 minutes ago, 18 minutes ago, Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 2:26 AM, last updated on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 2:44 AM