Mobile clinics and other non-traditional practices now have a chance to access the $500 million Practice Incentive Program funding pot under the RACGP’s expanded definition of a GP practice.

But telehealth-only practices remain banned on the basis they do not offer adequately comprehensive care becauses in-person examinations are not possible.

The updated definition in the RACGP’s accreditation standards, announced on Wednesday, removes references to “operating through primary care facilities” and caring for “individuals, families and communities”.

This means that “new and innovative services” without a bricks-and-mortar clinic or practices offering comprehensive care for special groups, like patients with disabilities or aged care residents, now have a shot at accreditation.