This is a very unique moment in time in which we live; who could have predicted it? Well, it seems that Bill Gates did, as did various virologists, epidemiologists and perhaps some preppers. But for the rest of us, this has come as a shock.
COVID-19 has changed so much of the way we go about everyday life, what with social distancing, children being schooled from home, whole industries grinding to a halt and enormous numbers of people who never thought they'd be lining up at Centrelink needing government assistance.
As a response to the epidemic, the Australian Federal Government has made funding available in attempt to treat those who are unable to see various health professionals in person due to social distancing laws. Nurse Practitioners have for the first time been allocated MBS TeleHealth item numbers allowing them to offer rebates of at least $51 on a 40 minutes consultation. Nurse Practitioners are able to practice across the entire nation of Australia. This means that people in need of mental health care in regional, rural and remote regions of Australia have for the first time access to rebates when engaging in TeleHealth consultations with a Nurse Practitioner. All a patient needs, at the very minimum, is a telephone; even better if you have a smart phone, tablet or computer with a camera so that you can engage in a video consultation.
What that means for me is that I can treat people across Australia by phone or video app. If you need the help please fill out the form on my page www.rickwhelan.com.au and I will get in contact with you.
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