For rural and remote Australians, specialist allergy advice can mean hours on the road, time away from work or school, and travel and accommodation costs.
This spring, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is highlighting how allergy assist® helps Rural Generalists deliver allergy care in their communities.
The free national service connects Rural Generalists with clinical immunology and allergy specialists. With patient permission, doctors can submit clinical cases online and receive advice within 48 hours.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says this support can help doctors manage patients locally and decide when further testing or referral is needed.
“For patients outside urban Australia, seeing an allergy specialist is not a simple appointment.
“It can involve travelling hundreds of kilometres, taking time away from work and family, and finding somewhere to stay,” Dr Martin says.
“Allergy assist does not replace specialist referral when it is necessary, but can help ensure patients receive timely care close to home.”
Dr Martin says Rural Generalists also manage food and medication allergies, skin reactions and patients with a history of anaphylaxis.
“Insects are more active in spring, increasing the chance of allergic reactions, particularly in rural and remote areas.”
He encourages people with persistent, worsening or concerning allergy symptoms to speak with their Rural Generalist.
“Your local Rural Generalist remains at the centre of your care, with allergy assist providing another layer of expertise when needed.”
allergy assist® is an initiative of the National Allergy Council, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and delivered in partnership with ACRRM.