Submission on MBS telehealth items during COVID-19 - April 2020

This submission to the Department of Health, Primary Care Implementation (COVID-19) Response, prepared by PCA, offers comments on issues raised about access to Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) telehealth items that hinder capacity to support palliative care patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the COVID-19 environment, providing as many consultations as possible by telehealth balances optimising clinical care and minimising risk for vulnerable patients. The submission outlines potential MBS specialist services for expansion to telehealth items, in order to offer better support for palliative care patients. Issues raised include inequity for palliative medicine specialists, support for palliative care nurse practitioners, and allied health and Aboriginal health workers.

PCA submission on MBS telehealth items during COVID-19