The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) warned against avoiding important medical checks for chronic conditions or other potentially serious illnesses.
Echuca Moama Family Medical Practice principal Claire Goodman said they were encouraging patients to continue to look after their chronic health conditions.
“General health contributes to prognosis for those who do become infected,” she said.
“In simple terms, the healthier you are, the more likely you would get through a coronavirus infection.
“In particular we are keen to keep seeing our patients with chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma, lung and heart disease, just to name a few.”
Many health services have been offering telehealth to give people the option to seek medical advice from home, especially for those more vulnerable to coronavirus.
“We do have telephone consultations available however, face-to-face medicine is the gold standard, and if required, your doctor may suggest a face-to-face appointment when required,” she said.
“Our clinic has made it an absolute priority to keep our community, including patients and staff, safe and well,” she said.
Clinical lead for RDAA’s COVID-19 response Dr Adam Coltzau said the take home message was to “make sure you see us now”.
“Whether you have a chronic health condition like diabetes, or you are concerned about a mole that is growing in shape or size, please do not put off a visit to your doctor because of COVID-19 concerns.”
“Make sure you get those really important health checks sooner rather than later,” he said.
In August, Cancer Council Victoria launched a Don’t Delay campaign after data revealed melanoma reporting to the Victorian Cancer Registry decreased by 31 per cent in the first period of restrictions in Victoria (March 30 to June 30, 2020) compared to the pre-COVID-19 period (February 1 to March 27, 2020).
Cancer Council Victoria chief executive Todd Harper said the data aligned with anecdotal information suggesting people were deferring appointments as a result of COVID-19 related concerns.
“There is increasing concern amongst health professionals that people with signs of cancer, and other health conditions, may not be contacting their doctors to discuss new symptoms,” he said.
“Unfortunately, other medical issues don’t just stop because of COVID-19. The campaign is a timely reminder not to delay medical appointments, as ensuring symptoms are checked out might just save your life.”
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