PCR tests for COVID-19 will require a referral from January 1st, 2023. Source: Raimond Spekking
Medicare-funded PCR tests for COVID-19 must have a referral from a GP or nurse practitioner from January 1st, 2023.
Health Minister Mark Butler announced the change today as part of an update to the national COVID-19 approach for 2023. The shift is a move to Australia’s “transition out of the emergency phase of the pandemic.”
This shifts PCR tests from use as a surveillance tool, to a method of ensuring antiviral treatments can be quickly accessed.
The tests will be reserved for higher-risk groups and communities. These include older Australians, people with a disability, First Nations people, people with underlying health conditions, and people in remote communities.
At risk individuals are recommended to take a rapid antigen test (RAT) and talk to their GP about a PCR test referral if they have coronavirus symptoms.
Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said that the pandemic will likely continue to “throw up new challenges”. This includes the emergence of new COVID-19 variants. He also warned that Australia should expect waves of COVID-19 “on a regular basis” for at least two more years. However, high death rates are unlikely to accompany spikes in cases.
“The severity of future waves may be milder, placing less pressure on the health system.
“This, combined with improved immunity and hybrid immunity from repeat infections and targeted vaccinations, would reduce the clinical impact and result in fewer Australians suffering severe illness and death.”
The government pledged an additional $2.9 billion for special COVID-19 measures during 2023. This includes extending some services, such as COVID-19 hospital admissions and GP respiratory clinics.
“The vast bulk of them will continue to operate throughout the remainder of summer, and from the first of March will be put on to a retainer arrangement where that can be agreed so that they’re able to scale up in the event of future waves,” said Health Minister Butler.
He also said that the government would continue to secure vaccines that provide greater protection against variants.
It was also confirmed that the vaccine program will be extended to December 2023.
Health Minister Butler also announced a cut in the amount of subsidised mental health appointments, back to pre-pandemic standards.
