AMA welcomes change of heart on telehealth
The AMA has welcomed the release of a new report that drops an earlier interim recommendation to remove video telehealth items for initial consultations with non-GP specialists.
The AMA has welcomed the release of the MRAC Telehealth Post-Implementation Review – Final report, which no longer recommends removing MBS video telehealth items for initial consultations with non-GP specialists.
The AMA provided a strong initial submission to the consultation opposing this recommendation.
The AMA raised the issue directly with Health Minister Mark Butler and met with the Department of Health and Aged Care on multiple occasions to highlight the negative impact this change would have on patients.
Overall, the report makes a series of positive recommendations for the government to consider to improve and reform delivery of telehealth, including greater patient-end support with services for GPs to consult with non-GP specialists, aged care staff and other health professionals.
It also recommends removing loopholes that have allowed some businesses to exploit the lack of requirement for a face-to-face relationship.
