AMA supports new technology in medical practice
AMA Position Statement on technology-based patient consultations
The AMA today released its Position Statement on technology-based patient consultations.
The new position statement has updated and replaced the AMA Position Statement on Online and other Broadband Connected Medical Consultations 2006. The AMA Position Statement on Connectivity 2007 has been rescinded as the clinical messaging and authentication systems sought in the Position Statement have since been introduced.
AMA Vice President, Professor Geoffrey Dobb, said the AMA clearly understands the potential value of integrating new technologies into medical practice.
“Technology-based patient consultations can improve patient access to care and enhance efficiency in medical practice,” Professor Dobb said.
“However, technology-based patient consultations should complement face-to-face consultations, not replace them.
“They should be used as an adjunct to normal medical practice for regular patients of the practice, and they should not be used in a way that fragments the ongoing care of the patient.
“This Position Statement provides doctors with guidance to set appropriate fees for technology-based consultations and sends a signal to the Government that Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) arrangements should be available to patients accessing these services,” Professor Dobb said.
For consistency with the regulatory environment, the Position Statement uses the Medical Board of Australia’s definition of technology-based patient consultations, which is:
“… patient consultations that use any form of technology, including, but not restricted to videoconferencing, internet and telephone, as an alternative to face-to-face consultations …”
The AMA Position Statement on technology-based patient consultations is athttps://ama.com.au/position-
5 December 2013
CONTACT: John Flannery 02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761
Kirsty Waterford 02 6270 5464 / 0427 209 753
