Long Covid: Symptoms to look out for as GPs struggle with rising cases

Queensland GPs say they are flying blind as they treat an increasing number of patients presenting with long Covid symptoms, as there’s no set definition of the disease. Do you have Long Covid? Find out the most common symptoms here.

GPs are working blind as they treat an increasing number of patients presenting with long Covid symptoms, and their peak body is demanding a formal definition of the condition and evidence-based guidelines on the best treatments.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners is calling on the government to provide a better system to deal with the future onslaught of long Covid and is calling for funding for GPs to set up data collection and research hub into long Covid.

Symptoms can be very serious and include fatigue, breathlessness, anxiety brain fog, depression and changes to taste and smell.

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners President Karen Price. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Wayne Taylor

“To start, we need a formal agreed definition of long Covid because right now there is uncertainty for patients and healthcare workers,” RACGP President Karen Price said.

“We also need up-to-date evidence-based guidelines developed and maintained, something that could be achieved through ongoing funding of the National Clinical Evidence Taskforce.

“One of the challenges we face is poor patient awareness of long Covid and lack of access to medical and allied heath appointments, not to mention the possibility of substantial out-of-pocket fees in accessing multidisciplinary care.

“Patients are reporting problems navigating the health system to get proper long Covid assessment, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment and that must change. There are not enough specialist long Covid clinics, especially in rural and remote areas, and those clinics that are up and running can’t meet demand. There are also long wait times for review and input by other medical specialists and allied health professionals,” she said.

The college is calling on the Federal Government to adapt the Medicare Benefits Schedule to support patients with long Covid.

“GPs are reporting confusion on the use of different Medicare items including GP Chronic Disease Management items in the context of long Covid as well as Team Care Arrangements. Yet again the fiendishly complex Medicare system is making the job of GPs that much harder than it needs to be,” Adjunct Professor Price said.

“Let’s give GPs a break and let them do what they do best – getting on with the job of helping patients in need. The unique circumstance of this complex condition requires further clarity on the use of the relevant Medicare item numbers so that GPs have certainty in what they are doing.”

Queensland infectious disease expert Dr Paul Griffin said GPs are best placed to monitor and gather data on the development of long Covid.

“Right now we don’t have set answers on the best methods of treatment and how long Covid presents in different people,” he said.

“We definitely need investment in this area. Long Covid is a serious issue with many people unable to return to their every day lives and that can be devastating. We need to be able to help them.”