Telehealth here to stay

Telehealth will be a permanent fixture in Australia’s health care system from 1 January 2022.  

The pandemic has changed the way that Australians access health care and telehealth has been a significant step forward in making access to health care flexible and easy.

Telehealth appointments mean medical and allied services can be delivered by telephone and videoconferencing, complementing face-to-face consultations. The permanent arrangements will benefit DVA clients who experience barriers accessing in-person health care such as those who live in rural or remote locations, people living with a disability and those with mental health conditions.

Telehealth services can only be accessed where full service can be delivered safely and in accordance with all relevant health care professional standards and clinical guidelines.

For more information visit https://www.dva.gov.au/health-and-treatment/permanent-telehealth-information-clients or speak to your general practitioner.