The Federal Government, as part of Budget 2021, is spending $114 million to extend Telehealth, which has offered a lifeline to people in need of support during COVID, to the end of the year.
The extension of Telehealth includes services for general practitioners, medical practitioners, specialists, consultant physicians, nurse practitioners, participating midwives, allied health providers and dental practitioners.
“The extension will ensure that Australians can continue to see their GP, renew scripts and seek mental health support from the safety of their own home. This allows vulnerable Australians to feel protected and supported during these unprecedented times,” Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said.
“It is critical that Australians continue to look after their health and stay engaged with your primary care providers.”
Virtual care had been resisted by General Practitioners before the onset of COVID. From 13 March 2020 to 21 April 2021, over 56 million COVID-19 MBS telehealth services have been delivered to 13.6 million patients, with $2.9 billion in Medicare benefits paid. More than 83,540 providers have used telehealth services.
