Complete guide to Australian hospital telehealth — MBS telehealth item numbers, virtual care models, remote consultations, rural/remote access improvement, ADHA telehealth standards, and telehealth software.
MBS telehealth items are now permanent in Australia. Telehealth saves rural patients 2-10 hours travel. ADHA supports telehealth as a key digital health initiative. This guide covers Australian hospital telehealth.
MBS Telehealth Item Categories
| Category | MBS Items | Description |
|---|---|---|
| GP telehealth | Various (9-level) | GP video/phone consultations |
| Specialist telehealth | Various | Specialist video consultations |
| Mental health telehealth | Various | Psychology/psychiatry via video |
| Allied health telehealth | Various | Allied health via video |
| Nurse practitioner telehealth | Various | NP consultations via video |
| Midwife telehealth | Various | Midwifery consultations via video |
| ED telehealth | Various | Emergency consultations via video |
| In-reach telehealth | Various | Specialist services to rural hospitals |
Telehealth Service Models
- Outpatient telehealth: Specialist outpatient consultations via video
- Inpatient telehealth: Specialist consultation for inpatients at rural hospitals
- ED telehealth: Emergency specialist support for rural EDs
- Mental health telehealth: Psychology/psychiatry via video
- Chronic disease telehealth: Remote monitoring and consultation for chronic disease
- Aged care telehealth: Geriatric and aged care consultations
- Post-discharge telehealth: Follow-up after discharge via video
- Hospital in the Home: HITH with telehealth monitoring
Rural Telehealth Impact
| Metric | Without Telehealth | With Telehealth |
|---|---|---|
| Travel time per consultation | 2-10 hours | 0 hours |
| Travel cost per consultation | $200-1,000 | $0 |
| Specialist access (rural) | Monthly visits | Weekly video clinics |
| Mental health access (rural) | Limited | Weekly video sessions |
| ED specialist support | Phone only | Video + remote examination |
| Patient satisfaction | 60-70% | 85-95% |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What MBS telehealth items are available for Australian hospitals?
- MBS telehealth items include: 1) Specialist telehealth (video) — MBS items for specialist consultations via video, 2. GP telehealth — MBS items for GP video/phone consultations, 3. Mental health telehealth — MBS items for psychology/psychiatry via video, 4. Nurse practitioner telehealth, 5. Allied health telehealth. Many telehealth items were made permanent after COVID-19. Patients need an existing relationship with the provider (in most cases).
- How does telehealth improve rural healthcare access in Australia?
- Australia has vast rural/remote areas with limited healthcare access. Telehealth improves access by: 1) Specialist consultations without travel (saves 2-10 hours travel), 2. Remote mental health services, 3. Remote chronic disease management, 4. Remote emergency consultation, 5. Remote aged care, 6. Royal Flying Doctor Service telehealth. Telehealth reduces travel costs, improves outcomes, and reduces rural health inequalities.
- What technology is needed for Australian telehealth?
- Australian telehealth technology: 1) Video platform (secure, HD, ADHA-ready), 2. Patient app (for patients to join consultations), 3. EHR integration (document consultations in patient record), 4. MBS claiming integration (claim telehealth items), 5. Digital stethoscope, otoscope, ultrasound (for remote examinations), 6. Secure messaging (for follow-up), 7. My Health Record integration.