Telehealth extension welcomed by rural and remote doctors

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) supports today’s announcement of a six-month extension to Medicare-subsidised telehealth to facilitate access to vital primary health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The extension, announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Health Greg Hunt, is part of a $2 billion funding package to extend critical health services until 31 March 2021. Other health measures in the package include pathology services, GP-led respiratory clinics, home medicines delivery, public and private hospital services and further investments in PPE.

ACRRM President Dr Ewen McPhee says the College advocated strongly on behalf of rural and remote General Practitioners to have telehealth item numbers for primary care implemented at the outset of the pandemic and continues to monitor their usage.

“We welcome the extension and flag the importance of ensuring these initiatives inform longer-term policies which will create a more innovative, flexible and sustainable health care system,” Dr McPhee says.

Dr McPhee adds that regardless of COVID it is important patients continue seeing their doctor, particularly for chronic health issues.

“Telehealth, via phone and video, is an option in many circumstances although it will never completely replace face-to-face consultations,” he says.

‘It is particularly useful for rural and remote communities where it can improve access to care by alleviating the need for patients to travel to see their GP.

“Reports indicate there have been 18 million telehealth consultations since the pandemic began, demonstrating it is a well-utilised tool delivering high standards of medical care, including in rural and remote communities,” Dr McPhee says.