The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) welcomes the expansion of telehealth services and bulk-billing incentives announced by the Australian Government today.
ACRRM President Dr Ewen McPhee says these changes will significantly increase the capacity of the rural health system, particularly in general practice.
“This is a great step forward,” Dr McPhee says, “and demonstrates the government is listening to rural and remote practitioners.
“ACRRM has been advocating for this type of access for rural and remote patients for many years. Through these efforts and collaboration with stakeholders, this is now possible
“We recognise the government is being responsive to the changing face of health care in this COVID-19 period, and I am confident that with judicious use these measures will enable high-quality and timely care for many people.
“Telehealth services are critical to delivering effective and high-quality health care in rural and remote areas,” he says.
From Monday, GPs across Australia will be able to claim for services including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments, mental health treatment, chronic disease management, services to patients in aged care facilities, pregnancy support counselling, and services to children with autism and people with eating disorders. After-hours telehealth consultations are also covered under the expanded Medicare Benefits Subsidy.
The Government has also doubled the bulk billing incentive for GPs and established an incentive payment to ensure practices stay open to provide face-to-face services where they are essential for patients with conditions that can’t be treated through telehealth.
“The incentives to help keep general practices open for face-to-face consultations is also excellent,” Dr McPhee adds.
“A whole range of people are delaying their care for other medical conditions because of social distancing - they don’t want to put a burden on the health system with non-COVID related issues, but general practices and hospitals each play crucial roles in responding to this crisis. “We need to remain available to all people who require face-to-face care where it is safe to do so.
“This is an extraordinary period in health care delivery across Australia and the world. this new package recognises the broad set of advanced skilled services Rural Generalists are trained to deliver. “It ensures all Australians can access the care they need, where, when and how they need it.
“ACRRM is committed to continuing to work with Federal and State Governments to ensure patients who live outside urban locations are represented when it comes to receiving equitable healthcare and Rural Generalists are recognised for the breath and quality of services they deliver,” Dr McPhee adds.
The extended Medicare Benefit Scheme subsidies will be reviewed at the end of September 2020, in response to the COVID-19 healthcare requirements.
ACRRM President Dr Ewen McPhee says these changes will significantly increase the capacity of the rural health system, particularly in general practice.
“This is a great step forward,” Dr McPhee says, “and demonstrates the government is listening to rural and remote practitioners.
“ACRRM has been advocating for this type of access for rural and remote patients for many years. Through these efforts and collaboration with stakeholders, this is now possible
“We recognise the government is being responsive to the changing face of health care in this COVID-19 period, and I am confident that with judicious use these measures will enable high-quality and timely care for many people.
“Telehealth services are critical to delivering effective and high-quality health care in rural and remote areas,” he says.
From Monday, GPs across Australia will be able to claim for services including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments, mental health treatment, chronic disease management, services to patients in aged care facilities, pregnancy support counselling, and services to children with autism and people with eating disorders. After-hours telehealth consultations are also covered under the expanded Medicare Benefits Subsidy.
The Government has also doubled the bulk billing incentive for GPs and established an incentive payment to ensure practices stay open to provide face-to-face services where they are essential for patients with conditions that can’t be treated through telehealth.
“The incentives to help keep general practices open for face-to-face consultations is also excellent,” Dr McPhee adds.
“A whole range of people are delaying their care for other medical conditions because of social distancing - they don’t want to put a burden on the health system with non-COVID related issues, but general practices and hospitals each play crucial roles in responding to this crisis. “We need to remain available to all people who require face-to-face care where it is safe to do so.
“This is an extraordinary period in health care delivery across Australia and the world. this new package recognises the broad set of advanced skilled services Rural Generalists are trained to deliver. “It ensures all Australians can access the care they need, where, when and how they need it.
“ACRRM is committed to continuing to work with Federal and State Governments to ensure patients who live outside urban locations are represented when it comes to receiving equitable healthcare and Rural Generalists are recognised for the breath and quality of services they deliver,” Dr McPhee adds.
The extended Medicare Benefit Scheme subsidies will be reviewed at the end of September 2020, in response to the COVID-19 healthcare requirements.