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Telehealth Rebates for Allied Health Practitioners

At Coviu, we understand almost 70% of Australia's healthcare funding is provided via the government. This means that reimbursements for telehealth are essential for patient and provider uptake.

Telehealth rebates are slowly becoming available, yet they are often not discussed or are hard to find in one place. That's why we've created this concise listing of all current telehealth reimbursements for allied health professionals, including MBS items and other government schemes.

allied health telehealth items - Coviu

Medicare Telehealth Reimbursements

 

Following the devastating bushfires that continue to burn across the nation, the government has responded with a mental health care package that extends the exisiting Better Access Scheme. Psychologists and trained mental health social workers and occupational therapists can access these item numbers.

The Australian Psychological Society has a detailed web page, outlining the requirements and availability of Medicare rebates under the Better Access initiative.

There are also specific item numbers for treating eating disorders.

Under the Medicare Better Access Scheme, occupational therapists and social workers with focussed psychological strategy training can provide mental health services via telehealth.

There are also specific item numbers for treating eating disorders.

One MBS item is listed for eligible dietitians, as part of an eligible patient's eating disorder treatment and management plan.

Medicare has listed the telehealth MBS items available to general practitioners, specialists, consultant physician, practice nurses, Aboriginal health workers, midwives and nurse practitioners via patient-end services. Health professionals that provide clinical support to their patients during video consultations with a specialist, consultant physicians and psychiatrists can claim these items.

Coviu use cases for telehealth

Other reimbursements

 

The CHSP is designed to provide financial support to older Australians who may need short term or basic ongoing assistance, but can generally manage on their own. Some services covered by the program include help around the house, transport, home modifications, meals, nursing and allied health care.

Allied health services such as physiotherapy, podiatry, nutritional advice and speech pathology as well as nursing services can be offered via telehealth technology, if this is appropriate for the care recipient.

provides a greater level of assistance and is designed to enable tailored, support packages to be created for the care recipient. There is a much larger pool of funding available, but recipients are means tested to determine their out of pocket cost.

The home care provider will work with the recipient to determine what services they need. A wide range of telehealth services can be included in the HCP to ensure access to timely and appropriate care.

DVA is responsible for the ongoing support, compensation and commemoration of those who have served in the defence of Australia. Eligible patients can have their telehealth video consultations covered by the DVA.

The NDIS offers funding to individuals with a permanent and significant disability. It ensures they receive the care they need and attempts to reduce the financial burden on carers and families. The scheme covers a wide range of programs and services based on the individual’s circumstances and if the service is ‘reasonable and necessary’. This can include telehealth video consultations.

Carer Allowance is an income supplement that supports people who provide care in a private home to someone with an illness or disability. Often, family members become full-time carers and therefore cannot seek employment, meaning household income is reduced. This payment helps to lift the financial burden from carers and can provide a means to afford telehealth sessions, such as for speech therapy or physiotherapy.

Some private health insurance companies offer full or partial rebates for telehealth video consultations. Check with your provider to determine your eligibility.


Care has been taken to ensure this information is accurate and up to date. However, if you are aware of additional reimbursement options, please contact us.

To learn more about how Coviu can work for your practice, book a demo.

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