Medical Specialists
Telehealth Support program
The Australian Government has introduced a number of measures to foster the adoption of telehealth in Australia, including Medicare rebates. The Telehealth Support program was established to fund projects to assist in the introduction of Medicare rebates now available for telehealth consultations.
The Telehealth Support program has allocated $15.7 million for 28 new projects to 30 June 2013. This builds on existing GP projects funded through the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.
Funding is being provided to a range of non-government organisations, including specialist medical colleges, Medicare Locals, universities, accredited training providers and rural workforce agencies. Projects are being funded in all states and territories to ensure national coverage across the following four key priority areas:
- Development of professional standards and clinical guidelines in telehealth;
- Education and training, including continuing professional development activities;
- Engagement of Telehealth Support Officers; and
- Communications and awareness-raising activities.
Of the projects funded to 30 June 2013, 6 organisations will provide professional standards and clinical guidelines; 19 organisations will develop education and training; and 20 organisations will be involved in communications and awareness-raising. Additionally, 50 Telehealth Support Officers will be engaged by a number of funded organisations to assist in the implementation of the telehealth projects.
A listing of the organisations funded under the Telehealth Support program
