Upon the recommendation by the Australian Medical Association and Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the Australian government continuously exerts efforts to strengthen the telehealth program for primary care.
Telehealth reform is currently on stage seven. Under this stage, Medicare-subsidised telehealth services will ensure patients’ continuous care coming from their GPs.
Starting July 20, telehealth providers will be required to establish an existing and continuous connection with their patients.
This ensures continuous, quality care for the patients coming from their GPs.
An existing and continuous relationship is defined by a set up between a patient and GP who has been connected over the past 12 months.
The requirement will not be applied to areas with new restrictions such as Victoria.
Exemptions also include people who are homeless and under the age of 12 months. They can access any provider. Currently, the government is determining the extent of the impact of exemptions.
COVID-19 video and telephone services support primary healthcare and imply better health outcomes.
These changes were enacted as a response to the advice of AMA and RACGP about telehealth.
The COVID-19 pandemic just reaffirmed the significance of primary care to the Australian health system in general and the lives of people.
Telehealth can be accessed by both doctors and patients. The Australian government hopes that its establishment will be a positive legacy for the community and the future of healthcare.
