AskMBS - exemptions from the ‘existing relationships’ requirements applying to the COVID-19 telehealth MBS items
A short AskMBS Advisory has been published in response to queries about exemptions from the ‘existing relationships’ requirements applying to the COVID-19 telehealth MBS items.
As of 20 July 2020, GPs and other medical practitioners working in general practice must only perform a COVID-19 telehealth service where they have an existing relationship with the patient. This requirement does not apply to a person who is:
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under the age of 12 months,
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experiencing homelessness,
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in a COVID-19 impacted area,
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receiving an urgent after-hours service (in unsociable hours), or
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receives the service from a medical practitioner located at an Aboriginal Medical Service or an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service.
A COVID-19 impacted area is one where a person’s movement is restricted by a State or Territory public health requirement that applies to the person’s location. This includes patients subject to quarantine, and other restrictions intended to support infection control.
