Telehealth: Care from a Distance
COVID and Telehealth
In response to COVID-19 the Department of Health has temporarily expanded telehealth services to include a number of other MBS services. This means that GPs, Allied Health professionals and other practitioners are able to conduct consultations covered under Medicare, without meeting their patients face-to-face.
Starting from 13 March 2020, a growing list of services have been made available to patients, accessible without in-person interaction. As of 20th July 2020, updates were made requiring that patients seeking care from a GP can only do so with a practice or GP they have visited in the last 12 months.
These legislative changes were made with the support of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) along with other medical experts. The Department of Health assures that these changes will ensure quality, collaboration, and continuous care.
Who can access Telehealth Services?
According to MBS Online, anyone covered by Medicare is able to access these services. Access to videoconferencing software is somewhat necessary as it is the most preferred method of communication, however audio-only via telephone is another option with separate services if required.
The expansion of available Telehealth services are most significantly for the benefit of individuals vulnerable to COVID-19. These individuals, as you know, include the elderly.
Mobile Eye Clinic
At Mobile Eye Clinic, our optometrists cater to their patients by making visits to private homes and aged care facilities. While consultations are not provided over videoconference or telephone, concerns can be addressed prior to any appointments by the optometrist.
If you'd like to learn more about us, visit our website or call 0402 842 691.
