Lexology August 28, 2020
Amongst clinicians, the concept of telehealth is broad and encompasses any transfer of information electronically – synchronously (eg. by video or phone consult), or asynchronously (eg. by email or text message). The RACGP has defined telehealth as ‘a method of delivering healthcare that involves the use of information and communications technology (ICT) to transmit audio, images and/or data between a patient and a healthcare provider.’
When considering relevant regulations or guidelines, it must first be understood what form of ‘telehealth’ they apply to, or whether they apply broadly. For example, under the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS), the term ‘telehealth’ refers to video consults only, not consults by phone.
Recent regulatory changes facilitate the use of both video and phone consults...