COVID-19 patients not guaranteed MBS telehealth, say officials
A leading infectious diseases physician has raised concerns patients under isolation orders may lose access to rebates.
A COVID-19 diagnosis will not guarantee a patient access to MBS-funded telehealth consults under new restrictions, health officials have confirmed.
Starting next week, patients can only claim the temporary Medicare items for phone and video consultations at practices where they have an “existing relationship” involving face-to-face care in the previous 12 months.
The clampdown has been supported by the RACGP and AMA, who have stressed there will be some exceptions, including all patients in areas of Victoria under stay-at-home orders.
Infants under 12 months of age and patients who are homeless can also continue to claim the items regardless of whether they have previously attended the practice.
