Exclusive: Move comes two days after state announced free flu vaccines for the next month as cases rise
has discussed potential changes to the Medicare rebate system to allow for simultaneous testing, as Covid and influenza tests currently attract separate rebates.
Queensland Health said it supported the AHPPC plan and was working to introduce simultaneous testing as soon as possible. In NSW, simultaneous testing has been included since the start of the flu season, which arrived early this year amidDr Karen Price, president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, supported the move.
“We see the whole person so we’re not just seeing influenza, we’re seeing influenza in a diabetic or we’re seeing influenza in someone who’s highly anxious,” she said.