In the same week it decided to scrap the contentious ‚robo-assessments‘ from the NDIS, the federal government has also expanded telehealth as Australians in Sydney and Melbourne continue lockdown life.
The federal government has announced extending telehealth consultations for Australians in COVID-19 hotspots from Friday. Two new Medicare telephone items will be available for GPs and other medical practitioner services for patients living in hotspots as declared by the chief medical officer. The new items will enable doctors to provide longer telephone consultations, lasting 20 minutes or more. „The move is in response to the current COVID-19 situation in NSW and the prospect of a prolonged hotspot declaration in Greater Sydney,“ a statement from Minister for Health Greg Hunt said. „Telehealth has played an important role in supporting Australians through the pandemic and these new items mean Australians can continue to see their GP, renew scripts, and seek mental health support from the safety of their own home.“ See also: Budget 2021: Digital mental health services to see AU$110m injection The Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) this week also reminded those in lockdown they can ask their GP for an electronic prescription when getting prescription medicines. „More than 12 million electronic prescriptions have already been issued, as healthcare providers and patients see the benefits of going digital,“ ADHA CEO Amanda Cattermole said.
