Date: 8 November 2023
The RACGP is pleased to provide a response to the MBS Review Advisory Committee (MRAC) Telehealth post-implementation review. The Review presents a significant opportunity to develop a robust framework to ensure high-quality, safe and accessible telehealth consultations now and into the future.
In particular, the RACGP:
- Supports the notion that to assess a patient's need is genuine and clinically appropriate for telehealth, a GP and patient must work in partnership to define this and to determine the most appropriate modality (phone/video) for their consultation.
- Recommends Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) funding should not distinguish telehealth (either via phone or video) consultations provided synchronously (in real-time).
- Does not support any telehealth model that results in fragmentation of care and risks patient safety.
- Supports the continued exemption to the established clinical relationship requirement for GP-provided bloodborne virus and sexual and reproductive (BBVSR) MBS telehealth items.
- Does not support the discontinuation of the exemption to GP telehealth eligibility requirements for GP non-directive pregnancy counselling services, as this will limit access to safe and affordable reproductive health and pregnancy care for women.
Read the submission
Submission to the MBS Review Advisory Committee (MRAC) Telehealth post-implementation review (PDF)