Telehealth

Telehealth is the use of video conferencing technology to provide medicine and education when it is not possible or not safe for people to do so in person. The International Organisation for Standardisation defines Telehealth as the ‘use of telecommunication techniques for the purpose of providing telemedicine, medical education, and health education over a distance’.1

From March 13 2020, Medicare rebates were made available for Telehealth due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to enable regular GP visits to occur in a safer way. These rebates were made available until September 30 2020.

As of mid 2020, changes have been made to how telehealth services are provided.

It is now required that patients have had at least one in person consultation in the past 12 months with their doctor in order to access telehealth rebates. It is noted that this requirement is not necessary for people 12 months and under, or who are experiencing homelessness.2

You are still able to access telehealth services without meeting this requirement, you will just no longer be able to receive the government rebate for the appointment.

Find more information in this download, COVID-19 Telehealth Services from the Department of Health. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has also published guidance for health practitioners here.