The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Review Advisory Committee (MRAC) has released its Telehealth Post-Implementation Review Final Report. 

The purpose of this review was to consider the appropriateness of MBS telehealth items following their expansion during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, and to provide a framework to consider all MBS-funded telehealth services in the future. 

The College made a submission in response to the Telehealth Post-Implementation Draft Report in November 2023, primarily raising concerns about the proposed recommendation 9 which suggested that specialist MBS items initial consultations only be available face-to-face, with subsequent consultations available through telephone or video at the clinician’s discretion. In the final report, recommendation 9 has been amended to maintain current telehealth policies for MBS video telehealth items for initial consultations with non-GP specialists. 

The College recognises that the provision of telehealth through the Medicare system improves access to psychiatrists and welcomes the amended recommendation. The College will liaise with the Department of Health and Aged Care on the implementation of the report to ensure the right balance between access, quality, and safety. 

For further information please contact policy@ranzcp.org.