9 July 2024
The RACP welcomes the recommendations from the final report of the MBS Review Committee as a positive step towards healthcare access and equity, particularly the recommendation to restore follow-up consultation telephone items, but it is a missed opportunity to better connect patients to specialist care.
The RACP has long advocated for the full suite of MBS telehealth items to be reinstated, as both video and telephone consultations are vital to ensuring healthcare is accessible to people in rural areas and people with limited mobility.
“The recommendations to retain initial consultations via video and restore subsequent consultations via telephone with a specialist are important wins, but we would have preferred if patients were able to access all consultations via phone or video, depending on their circumstances and preference. We know video consultations can be a barrier for some people”, says RACP President Professor Jennifer Martin.
“It is time for Health Minister Mark Butler to urgently implement the Report’s recommendations, while also acknowledging where more work needs to be done.
“We welcome the recommendations that support increased health equity for all Australians, no matter where they live or how they choose to access their health care.
“We see a missed opportunity in not reinstating initial telephone consultations, because not everyone has access to the technology, reliable internet coverage, data packages or digital literacy to participate in video consultations.
“To make healthcare as accessible as possible, we must address the challenges our most vulnerable Australians face in receiving the care they need.
“Whether you’re more comfortable with Zoom or a rotary dial, everyone deserves to get the healthcare they need in the way that suits them.
“Both video and phone consultations are an improvement in delivering healthcare through providing increased flexibility and cutting down travel time and costs.
“The 29% of Australians who live outside major cities can rest assured that telehealth will continue to provide an accessible avenue to vital health services.
“As physicians, we are adapting to the needs of our patients and should be collaborating with them on how to best deliver their care.
“Studies have shown that both telephone and video consultations provide a high degree of patient satisfaction and good clinical outcomes, so the patient should choose the method that works best for them.
“Making health care accessible to everyone will improve health outcomes – it’s common sense.
“The way we deliver healthcare is a conversation and negotiation with our patients, but what’s non-negotiable in ensuring they get the care they need.
“Minister Butler needs to ensure these recommendations are not only implemented but built upon to make health care in Australia the most accessible it’s ever been.”