Govt ‘committed’ to fixing bulk-billing rules after telehealth paperwork backlash: AMA
Because Parliament would need to pass legislation, changes may take time, says Dr Danielle McMullen.
The Minister for Health and Aged Care will consider legal changes to remove the “frustrating” paperwork demands on GPs’ bulk-billed telehealth appointments, the AMA says.
The latest guidance from Services Australia says patients must consent to bulk-billing for telehealth consults over email or, if they consent verbally, GPs must fill out an approved form and send the patient a copy.
But it sparked a backlash and warnings that GPs would stop bulk-billing vulnerable patients for telehealth consultations because of the extra work involved.
On Friday, the AMA said it had a commitment from the Department of Health and Aged Care “to quickly consult on required changes to the Health Insurance Act” to address GPs’ concerns.
