The platform, which is securely hosted by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), allows doctor-to-doctor written discussion on patient cases. As of 28 July, the service is available to all GPs in Australia, including those in metropolitan areas, as well as rural generalists and members of ACRRM. Doctors do not need to be ACRRM members to use the service.

To apply for allergy assist™, visit: acrrm.org.au/resources/digital-health/allergy-assist.

How it works:

• GPs who are registered with allergy assist™ can ask a question and share relevant information about a patient case.
• The question can be about any suspected allergic presentation including food allergy, medication allergy, insect sting or bit allergy, history of anaphylaxis, allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis.
• The GP must have their patent’s consent and de-identify the case and any images before it is submitted.
• A clinical immunology/allergy specialist is assigned the case and responds within 48 hours with high quality advice to assist with management and guidance on appropriate referral where necessary.

This initiative not only aims to improve patient care but also empowers doctors by fostering peer-to-peer learning and professional development (CPD hours available). Doctors registered with allergy assist will be invited to webinars on allergy topics of interest. The platform also hosts resources such as allergy education cases, learning modules, links to the Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) health professional resources and clinical guidelines, and Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia resources.

The allergy assist™ initiative is a collaborative effort between the National Allergy Council and ACRRM and has received funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. The service is being piloted between February 2025 and February 2026, has ethics approval and will be evaluated.  

Enquiries about the service or eligibility can be sent to info@nationalallergy.org.au.