GPs prescribing COVID-19 antivirals 'need more freedom to use their judgment'

Press/Media: Expert Comment

Description

Professor Mark Morgan says PBS criteria are, by their nature, too black and white
 
GPs need more freedom to prescribe COVID-19 antivirals to elderly patients who do not have additional risk factors, the RACGP says.

Subject

COVID 19

Antiviral

PBS

Period30 Jun 2022

Media contributions

1

Media contributions

  • TitleGPs prescribing COVID-19 antivirals 'need more freedom to use their judgment'
    Degree of recognitionNational
    Media name/outletAustralian Doctor
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    Date30/06/22
    DescriptionProfessor Mark Morgan says PBS criteria are, by their nature, too black and white.
    GPs need more freedom to prescribe COVID-19 antivirals to elderly patients who do not have additional risk factors, the RACGP says.
    But Professor Mark Morgan, chair the RACGP Expert Committee — Quality Care, says GPs should have the scope to prescribe for more high-risk patients who do not neatly fit the PBS criteria.

    “Especially if you’re frail, if you’re aged 85, 90, 100, you’re at high risk of COVID-19 even if you’re otherwise healthy,” he says....

    “Another example of patients who would benefit from expanded access would be somebody under 65, perhaps just under 65, with severe lung disease.”

    Currently, adults under 65 are only eligible if they have very high-risk conditions, like immunocompromise or cerebral palsy.

    Producer/AuthorAnthony Scholefield
    URLhttps://www.ausdoc.com.au/news/gps-prescribing-covid19-antivirals-need-more-freedom-use-their-judgment
    PersonsMark Morgan