The rapid rise of telehealth in Australia
An article published by ABC News this week highlights the possibility of telehealth consultations becoming a part of the mainstream for medical practitioners around the country.
The shift follows the Federal Government’s March announcement of expanded Medicare-subsidised telehealth services for all Australians. Medicare item numbers for telehealth are temporarily in place for GPs, specialists and many other health professionals, allowing them to bill for phone consultations.
Telehealth technology provides a way for doctors to “get on and do our jobs”, according to one doctor quoted in the ABC article.
Doctors and health care providers are embracing the rapid shift to virtual consultations as a way of providing continuity of care during challenging times. Practices have reported a significant drop in the number of patients attending clinics in person, while some health care professionals have been simply unable to continue their in-person services, such as exercise therapy.
Telehealth technology provides a way for doctors to “get on and do our jobs”, according to one doctor quoted in the ABC article.
While previously, telehealth had been limited in coverage in Australia, Covid-19 has highlighted the possibilities of the technology to benefit both the patient and practitioner during the current period of social distancing, but also beyond.
According to the article, “Harry Nespolon, president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, said the number of consultations that could be done appropriately over telehealth was about 40 per cent.”
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