Telehealth, E-prescribing Arrangements Must be Extended, Says Interim Parliamentary Committee

The report from the interim Parliamentary Committee has backed the AMA’s calls to make telehealth a permanent component of the Australian health system, and for e-prescribing to be implemented as quickly as possible. The Select Committee on Financial Technology and Regulatory Technology has made the recommendations in its interim report.

“The AMA has long advocated for Medicare-subsidised telehealth consultations, and temporary Medicare COVID-19 arrangements have shown the value of telehealth,” AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid, said today.

“The telehealth items have supported the provision of care during these very difficult times, and have been embraced by patients and doctors.

“The AMA is in discussions with the Commonwealth Government about the long-term future of Medicare-funded telehealth for patients who need to see their GP or non-GP specialist.

Is Telehealth the Future of Medicine?
Telehealth services are a safe and effective means of providing healthcare to patients. It has increased patient access to different health specialties,= and has helped decrease patient anxiety.

“This is an ongoing piece of work. In the meantime, the AMA has called for the extension until March next year of the temporary telehealth items, which are due to expire at the end of this month.

“While work on e-prescribing is progressing very quickly, it is still in a limited testing phase. We welcome the Government’s commitment to its roll-out and want to see the extension of temporary COVID-19 arrangements that have allowed pharmacists to dispense medication using a digital image of a prescription.

Telehealth Services: A Post COVID-19 Reality?
In cancer patients, the regular use of telehealth services was found to have long-lasting and unforeseen effects on the provision and quality of care.

“With Australia still in the midst of a global pandemic, these temporary arrangements must continue. They are essential to efforts to contain the spread of the virus.

“The AMA is keen to see the Government make a decision on the extension of these temporary arrangements as soon as possible. Practices are already taking appointments for October and beyond."

Source-Medindia