Is the number of GP consultations going down? The use of MBS item 23 has fallen significantly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but telehealth is likely to have had an impact.
Scrap preference for video telehealth consultations: RACGP The college has said the current MBS principle lacks evidence and could compromise access to care.
Telehealth provider defies TGA semaglutide request Eucalyptus is reportedly offering patients access to the type 2 diabetes-indicated drug for weight loss purposes, despite ongoing supply issues.
In Practice: Updated PSR Guide The new guide outlines what doctors referred to the Professional Services Review can expect at each stage of the proces.
‘Clear and consistent’ telehealth rules to start in September A widely foreshadowed Medical Board crackdown on so-called ‘tick and flick’ prescribing will come into force later this year.
Reproductive healthcare telehealth items extended The move has been welcomed, particularly for women in remote areas, but advocates are calling for the items to be made permanent.
Push for increased telehealth funding ahead of Budget With the Federal Budget around the corner, the RACGP is reiterating calls to improve access and make it a permanent fixture of Medicare.
In Practice: Telehealth exemptions for PCR tests extended Patients who meet the COVID ‘high-risk’ criteria have had the telehealth temporary exemption rule extended to 31 December.
Crackdown on ‘unsafe’ online prescribing underway The Medical Board of Australia has already imposed restrictions on some individuals against issuing prescriptions through telehealth.
Limited evidence behind decision to cut long phone consultations Health researchers want longer phone consultations to be reinstated, saying there was ‘little evidence’ to support the change.