COVID-19 telehealth update
24 Mar 2020

The Federal Health Minister, Greg Hunt, issued a joint press release on 23 March which expands the use of telehealth items during the COVID-19 crisis.
The change will allow all vulnerable general practitioners and other vulnerable health professionals who are currently authorised to use telehealth item numbers, to use telehealth for all consultations with all of their patients.
This includes health care providers who are:
- aged at least 70 years old
- Indigenous and aged at least 50 years old
- pregnant
- a parent of a child under 12 months
- immune compromised
- have a chronic medical condition that results in increased risk from coronavirus infection.
The government is currently working with the AMA, RACGP, ACRRM, and the RDAA to co-design Stage 4 - which will further expand the use of telehealth items.
Not yet subscribed to receive our medico-legal blog? Scroll down to subscribe and stay connected.
This blog contains general information only. We recommend you contact your medical defence organisation or insurer when you require specific advice in relation to medico-legal matters.
A health practitioners guide to social media
What are the laws and guidelines that impact social media for practitioners?
22 Jul 2025
Patient Autonomy in Australian Medical care
Do we really support patient autonomy in the decision-making process?
22 Jul 2025
Practicalities of Medicare
Do you understand the Medicare system and are you confident that your billing processes comply with requirements?
22 Jul 2025
Understanding changes to the Fair Work Act
What are the changes to the Fair Work Act and what is my role?
22 Jul 2025