General practice representatives have called for an extension of the new telehealth MBS items to the general population in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and a potential financial crisis for the primary care sector.
The telehealth items announced this week will only apply to people quarantining themselves at home with COVID-19 or a suspected case, as well as certain vulnerable groups such as the elderly.
President of the GP Deputising Association (GPDA) Nathan Pinskier says the telehealth items announced were inadequate and needed to be extended to the general population for routine care.