What are the mbs changes?
The MBS Review Advisory Committee (MRAC) proposes that:
“For initial consultations, make non-GP specialist MBS items available only face-to-face, with subsequent consultations available through telephone or video at the clinician’s discretion."
In short, initial specialist telehealth consultations will no longer be available as an MBS item.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Recommendation 9 implies that all Australians will no longer have access to initial specialist telehealth consultations. While this may be an inconvenience in metropolitan areas, it essentially translates to a complete removal of access to specialist care in underserved regions.
OUR POSITION
Telecare strongly encourages MRAC to reconsider Recommendation 9 and explore the possibility of granting exemptions to Indigenous Australians, aged care residents, and individuals living in regional and remote areas of Australia.
Read Our Response Paper
For Telecare's full response to the MRAC recommendations, please read our response paper by clicking the link below.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
MRAC is seeking views from clinicians, peak bodies, consumers and other interested parties in relation to the Telehealth Post Implementation Draft Report.
The deadline for public feedback submissions closes on 6 November 2023 at 11.59PM.
We will be sharing our response to the MRAC recommendations on 6 November 2023.
If you would like to add your name as an endorser of our response, please click the link below:
