GPs can once more claim the $75.75 Medicare rebate for phone consults lasting more than 20 minutes as a result of the Federal Government’s latest response to the Omicron outbreak.

The U-turn comes after longer level C and D phone consults were scrapped outside remote areas (MM6-7) last July on the basis that they were inadequate, with video consults offering a “richer information transfer”.

The phone rebate, which comes into effect in the coming days, will remain in place at least until 30 June.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the item was justified given “the high infection rate and need to provide healthcare support across the community”.