Telehealth should become permanent feature in healthcare system, says Grattan

Telehealth should become a permanent ­feature of the nation’s future healthcare system, says Grattan Institute.

‘In the context of increasing prevalence of chronic disease, telehealth items should enhance continuity of care, which benefits patients, reduces costs and avoids further fragmenting the primary care system’: Brisbane Gp Dr Maria Boulton. Picture: Russell Shakespeare

The increased reliance on telehealth during the COVID crisis should become a permanent ­feature of the nation’s future healthcare system, the Grattan Institute says.

Continuing access to Medicare-funded telehealth is among health policy reforms the policy think tank believes should be maintained in the “with-COVID” economy, including more out-of-hospital care and better use of private hospital facilities.

A new book published on Monday acknowledges telehealth is vulnerable to “predatory” ­behaviour, but overall can improve patient outcomes; providing a Medicare rebate for the service should continue beyond an emergency response.

“The risks of over-servicing, misuse by some providers with predatory business models and fraud are real, but the benefits are undeniable,” the book says.

“In the context of increasing prevalence of chronic disease, telehealth items should enhance continuity of care, which benefits patients, reduces costs and avoids further fragmenting the primary care system.”

One concern has been the ­introduction of “instant consult” or “instant prescription” services by big pharmacy chains that allow a bulk-billed service for ­people looking for script repeats. Brisbane GP Maria Boulton said appropriately funded telehealth was a vital element of ­patient care, but she was concerned about the proliferation of pop-up telehealth consultations provided through chemists. “There is always going to be profiteering any time there is profit to be made,” she said.

“To have the Pharmacy Guild and larger chain pharmacies say for a repeat subscription, see one of our doctors or a vending mach­ine … is not safe medicine.

“Rebates (for telehealth consultations) should only be given to patients where they consult their usual doctor or if they register at a new clinic. They should only be given where a doctor has the ability to review the patient face to face where needed.”