To the Editor: The rapid uptake of telehealth has been a cornerstone of the response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, and has ensured the provision of essential health care despite restrictions and lockdowns. Although not new technology, telehealth has dramatically increased in prominence and received broad acceptance by doctors and patients alike. Given its success, the Australian Government has confirmed the permanent retention of multiple telehealth item numbers within the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).1
The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers. Login to read more or purchase a subscription now.
Please note: institutional and Research4Life access to the MJA is now provided through Wiley Online Library.
- 1. Australian Government, Department of Health. MBS Psychiatry Telehealth Services from 1 January 2022 [factsheet]. Canberra: Department of Health; 2022. http://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/2211355D5611CA3DCA2587A70006FF09/$File/factsheet‐psychiatry‐telehealth‐24‐December.pdf (viewed Jan 2022).
- 2. Scheil‐Adlung X. Global evidence on inequities in rural health protection. New data on rural deficits in health coverage for 174 countries. Geneva: International Labour Organization; 2015. https://www.social‐protection.org/gimi/gess/ShowRessource.action?ressource.ressourceId=51297 (viewed Jan 2022).
- 3. Hawker F, Kavanagh S, Yellowlees P, Kalucy RS. Telepsychiatry in South Australia. J Telemed Telecare 1998; 4: 187‐194.
- 4. Baigent MF, Lloyd CJ, Kavanagh SJ, et al. Telepsychiatry: “tele” yes, but what about the “psychiatry”? J Telemed Telecare 1997; 3: 3‐5.
- 5. Weightman M. Digital psychotherapy as an effective and timely treatment option for depression and anxiety disorders: implications for rural and remote practice. J Int Med Res 2020; 48: 300060520928686.
The author is employed by the Rural and Remote Mental Health Service of South Australia, but did not make use of the MBS item number in question and will not be financially impacted by its removal.