Temporary COVID-19 MBS telehealth items that commenced on 13 March 2020 have now been extended to 31 December 2021. From 1 July 2021, the previous broad range of temporary telephone services have been replaced with a smaller number of MBS items. Video items are unchanged. New GP services include:
- 91890 – short telephone consultation item (< 6 minutes) for straightforward care, e.g. repeat prescriptions and diagnostic referrals.
- 91891 – longer telephone consultation item (> 6 minutes+) for more complex attendances.
Plus, four new time-based items for blood-borne viruses, sexual or reproductive health consultations (video and phone).
In most instances, the temporary MBS telehealth items are available for a range of consultations provided to a patient where there is an existing or established relationship of face-to-face service in the 12 months preceding the telehealth service with the same practitioner or at the same practice.
The existing relationship requirement does not apply for:
- Children under the age of 12 months
- People experiencing homelessness
- Patients living in a COVID-19 impacted area
- Patients receiving an urgent after-hours (unsociable hours) service
- Patients of medical practitioners at an Aboriginal Medical Service or an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service.
For more information and the full range of fact sheets, visit MBS online, or the “COVID-19 Telehealth” HealthPathway.