Medicare-subsidized telehealth sessions will be extended until the end of the year, with plans underway to make it a permanent part of the Australian healthcare system.
Health Minister Greg Hunt on Monday confirmed the six-month extension of $ 114 million, which will make telehealth available until the end of December.
Mr. Hunt is working with the Australian Medical Association and various health groups to find the best way to permanently integrate telehealth into the system.
“We have, in the context of COVID, changed the way we deliver medicines in Australia, making health more accessible to people in rural and remote areas,” the minister told reporters on Monday.
More than 54 million telehealth visits have taken place since the start of the pandemic, when coronavirus restrictions made it more difficult for people to get to appointments in person.
The Australian Psychological Society said 94% of psychologists use telehealth to provide mental health support to Australians.
Company president Tamara Cavenett said the extension would allow Australians to receive mental health care regardless of lockdowns, isolation or health issues.
“Disrupted treatment plans can mean two steps forward and one step back,” she said.
“Knowing that telehealth psychology sessions are available under Medicare until the end of the year provides much-needed certainty for psychologists and their clients.
Australian Associated Press
