The Morrison Government has announced it is extending telehealth consultations for Australians in Covid-19 hotspots to ensure they can continue to see their GP and look after their health.
From 16 July, two new Medicare telephone items will be available for GPs and other medical practitioner services for patients living in hotspots as declared by the Chief Medical Officer and will enable doctors to provide longer telephone consultations (20 minutes or more).
The items are also available to patients in other locations who are required to quarantine or isolate under a public health order, including Australians who may have travelled through or from a hotspot location.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), welcomes this extension to telehealth, saying that extended telephone consultations are needed now more than ever.
“This is very welcome news – it will make a real difference in ensuring access to care for patients in hotspots,” says RACGP President Dr Karen Price.
Dr Price adds that this “valuable complement to face-to-face care” is especially important for those “who are vulnerable”, as if they avoid seeing their GP during lockdowns and outbreaks, this may lead to “worsening health conditions and a greater burden on our already overloaded hospitals down the track”.
“As a GP myself, I see the value of telehealth and how it enhances care every day,” says Dr Price.
“I look forward to continuing discussions with the Government to find a long-term solution for telehealth – because I know what it can do for patients.”
