Uptake of telehealth services funded by Medicare in Australia

Abstract

Objective. The aim of this study is to identify the extent to which the Medicare item numbers and incentives, introduced in July 2011, have been effective in stimulating telehealth activity in Australia. Methods. A retrospective descriptive study utilising data on the uptake of telehealth item numbers and associated inperson services, from July 2011 to April 2014, were obtained from Medicare Australia. The main outcome measures were number of telehealth services over time, plus uptake proportionate to in-person services, by jurisdiction, by speciality, and by patient gender. Results. Specialist consultations delivered by video communication and rebated by Medicare rose to 6000 per month, which is 0.24% of the total number of specialist consultations. The highest proportional uptake was in geriatrics and psychiatry. In 52% per cent of video consultations the patient was supported by an on-site healthcare provider, most commonly a general practitioner. There were substantial jurisdictional differences. A significantly lower percentage of female patients were rebated for item 99, which is primarily used by surgeons. Conclusions. Medicare rebates and incentives, which are generous by world standards, have resulted in specialist video consultations being provided to underserved areas, although gaps still remain that need new models of care to be developed.