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Comments made by Martin Hefford of Te Whatu Ora about telehealth in primary care during a webinar earlier this month, “Te Whatu Ora estimates half of general practice work can be done by telehealth” (online 7 May), sparked a flurry of comments from readers denouncing the idea as “tosh”, and prompted the RNZCGP to weigh in, with medical director Luke Bradford promising to raise the issues directly with Mr Hefford. Greymouth-based GP registrar Calum Stannett won support for his considered comment, published here in full
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Respiratory physician Lutz Beckert considers chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management, including the prevention of COPD, the importance of smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation, and the lifesaving potential of addressing treatable traits. He also discusses the logic of inhaler therapy, moving from single therapy to dual and triple therapy when indicated, as well as other aspects of management
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