Cutting rebates for long phone consults ‘unsupported by evidence’

Researchers say video uptake has been lower in geographically disadvantaged areas
GP on the phone

The decision to scrap Medicare funding for GP telephone consults lasting longer than 20 minutes was not evidence-based and disproportionately punished poorer patients, researchers have concluded.  

The MBS item for longer phone consults was removed in July last year, although a new telephone item for over-the-phone assessment of COVID-19 antiviral eligibility was subsequently added, with the same rebate.