Dear Colleagues                       

As you are aware, on 13 March 2020 the Australian Government listed a range of temporary items for specialist specific telehealth services (video and/or phone attendances) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Based on stakeholder advice, over 80 specialist specific items were listed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  These temporary items were due to cease on 30 September 2020.

The Government has agreed to extend the COVID-19 specialist telehealth items in their current form, from 30 September 2020 to 31 March 2021, this extension period is based on advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC). Further information about the extension is available online at:  www.pm.gov.au/media/24-billion-health-plan-fight-covid-19

The Department will continue to monitor the impacts of COVID-19, and should the AHPPC recommend a further extension of the current items beyond 31 March 2021, this matter will be brought back to Government for consideration.

If you have any questions about the extension please email 

Mary Warner 

Director

Medical Specialist Services Section

MBS Policy & Specialist Services Branch | Medical Benefits Division

Australian Government Department of Health

MDP 959, GPO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601