As I understand it, from 1 January 2022, patients with video chat access can access the full range of telehealth options available through the MBS and if deemed appropriate by their specialist, but patients who do not have access to video chat cannot.
I believe there is now a two-tier system, with those who cannot access video chat being limited to less-complex and shorter telehealth consultations with their specialist, purely because the consultation is by voice rather than video.
That's right: regardless of what the patient's specialist believes to be appropriate, and regardless of the person's eligibility for telehealth consultations, it seems to me their access will be limited based on the fact that they need to use voice calls rather than video calls.
In my opinion, this is hugely unfair to anyone who cannot access video chat; for instance, a person like me. I have already had a call from a reception staff person at my specialist telling me my January appointment must be by video chat or in person, or it will be cancelled. I am not well enough to drive the long distance to see my specialist, who I rely on hugely because of a lack of qualified specialists nearby. I also can't really afford to buy a new phone or computer simply to get the latest software updates that would allow me to video chat.
I recall the reception staff person said that this discrimination against people without video chat is causing them to have to cancel many appointments with older people, who have been relying on telephone telehealth appointments because they are frail, have caring duties, or are unwilling to risk exposure to COVID. I believe that phoning dozens of patients to give them this bad news before Christmas was an unpleasant job for the kind reception person at my specialist. They apologised repeatedly and said that there was nothing they could do because they had received an order dictating this change from Medicare.
If you wish to read the details, see the PDF 'Changes to MBS Specialist Telehealth from 1 January 2022' issued by the Department of Health (I have a copy I can send to you if you have trouble finding it).
We phoned Medicare and spoke to two people who it seemed to me knew nothing about this change. I recall they said we would have to phone the Department of Health, which was impossible.
Now my family is spending Christmas and New Year wondering whether I will lose vital access to my specialist in Melbourne (2 hours away). I cannot believe I am being denied access to telehealth because I don't have a video phone.
Appointments
Treatment