Doctors say a plan to wind back access to PCR tests for COVID-19 will be closely watched as it is rolled out next year.

Under the changes announced on Monday, as part of a $2.8 billion reworking of the pandemic response plan, a referral from a medical or nurse practitioner will be needed in order for patients to receive a free PCR test at locations that aren’t run by a state or territory government.

State or territory-operated PCR clinics will be able to accept patients without referrals, with the government extending 50-50 funding arrangements for jurisdictions choosing to keep the clinics running.

Access to antivirals will be provided following a positive PCR or rapid antigen test.

Older Australians, Indigenous people and those with a disability will be prioritised for PCR testing.

Australian Medical Association president Steve Robson said it was important to ensure testing remained accessible for vulnerable people, as well as those who were financially disadvantaged or distant from a doctor.

“So it needs to be watched carefully as it is rolled out next year,” he told ABC TV on Tuesday.

Prof Robson said the changes were going to come in while a COVID-19 wave was occurring.

“I think at some stage next year, perhaps when we’re not in a wave, it might be a little easier – when vaccination levels are higher and when we know that we’ve got good access to the antiviral medications that vulnerable people need.”

The government will also be halving the number of subsidised psychology appointments available to people from next year.

Dr Robson said the mental health changes should also be carefully monitored to ensure the vulnerable were not affected.

Disability advocate Dr Beth O’Brien said it was important to provide broad access to tests.

“While I recognise that the announcement has said that people with disability and other high risk groups will be able to continue to get PCRs, it’s also about the people around us,” she said.

“So when we go to work, we want to know that the people around us have been able to access a test to ensure that they’re not sick.”

Young Liberal Movement federal president Clark Cooley said young Australians would be impacted.

“These cuts to Medicare by the Albanese government will hurt the most vulnerable hardest,” he said.

“Young Australians will be especially affected by these cuts as we face a national youth mental health crisis.”