The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth across Australia. In March 2020, the Australian Government introduced temporary Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items to expand telehealth access during the public health emergency. The success of these measures led to many services becoming permanent as of 1 January 2022.
Compare Health Insurance Quotes
Protect what’s most important to you. It’s easy, convenient and free!
By clicking ‘Compare & Save Now’, you are accepting our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and consenting to us contacting you about the products and services provided. Please consider the PDS before purchasing any products.
What's Changing in Telehealth in 2025
Telehealth in 2025 is undergoing several major updates that reflect a broader shift toward more integrated, patient-centred digital care. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of longer telephone consultations (Levels C and D) for patients registered under MyMedicare. These longer consultations, which were previously restricted to video only, will now be available via phone, provided the patient is formally registered with their usual general practice. Additionally, a new unified GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) will replace the existing GP Management Plans (GPMP) and Team Care Arrangements (TCA). These new plans can be prepared and reviewed via video telehealth, making chronic condition support more accessible to patients regardless of their location.
The government is also introducing a triple bulk-billing incentive, targeting Level C, D, and E telehealth consultations, as well as Level B for children under 16, pensioners, and concession card holders who are MyMedicare-registered. This initiative aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and promote equitable access to longer telehealth appointments for vulnerable groups. Finally, the established clinical relationship rule is being reinforced, with updated guidance and the end of certain temporary exemptions (such as for non-directive pregnancy counselling). While exemptions remain for mental health and sexual and reproductive health services, most patients will need to have seen their GP in person within the last 12 months to access subsidised GP telehealth services.
How Telehealth Works
Telehealth involves delivering health services using telecommunications technology where a physical examination is not necessary. These services may be conducted via:
- Telephone
- Video conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, Healthdirect Video Call, or practice-based platforms)
Typical telehealth use cases include:
- Initial consultations for minor ailments
- Chronic disease monitoring
- Mental health therapy and assessments
- Prescription renewals and medication reviews
- Preventive care, such as smoking cessation and diet counselling
Telehealth consultations are held to the same clinical standards as in-person visits and attract the same Medicare rebates, ensuring patients do not face higher costs for virtual care.
Evolution of Telehealth
Before 2020, telehealth access was mostly restricted to rural and remote Australians and select specialist services. Support under the MBS was limited. COVID-19 triggered an overhaul. From March 2020, the government introduced new telehealth items to support care continuity during lockdowns. These items were gradually expanded to include a broader range of services. By 1 January 2022, many of these items became permanent. Telehealth is now an integral part of healthcare delivery.
Services are available for:
- General practice
- Specialist consultations
- Allied health services (e.g., physiotherapy, dietetics, psychology)
- Mental health treatment (Better Access initiative)
Telehealth plays a pivotal role in increasing access, especially in underserved areas.
Eligibility and the "Established Clinical Relationship" Rule
To access most MBS-subsidised GP telehealth items, patients must have an “established clinical relationship,” defined as having seen the same GP or practice face-to-face within the past 12 months.
Exceptions to this rule include:
- Infants under 12 months of age
- People experiencing homelessness
- Patients in COVID-19 isolation
- Patients accessing mental health, sexual health or blood-borne virus services
Recent changes:
- Temporary exemptions for non-directive pregnancy counselling ended on 1 July 2024
- Mental health and sexual/reproductive health telehealth items remain exempt
This rule ensures continuity and helps maintain the quality and safety of care.
Benefits and Limitations
Pros of Telehealth:
- Greater access for patients in remote and regional locations
- Reduced travel time and associated costs
- Safer care delivery during pandemics or outbreaks
- Increased flexibility for patients with mobility or time constraints
- Equal MBS funding as in-person visits
Limitations:
- Unsuitable for conditions requiring physical examination or diagnostics
- Limited use for admitted hospital patients (with exceptions for some psychiatry items)
- Requires access to a reliable internet connection or phone service
- Digital literacy can be a barrier, especially among older populations
Current Telehealth Services and Categories
Service Category | Mode | Typical Duration | MBS Item Ranges |
GP General Attendances | Phone/Video | 6–60+ minutes | 91800–91836 |
Mental Health (Better Access) | Video | 30–60+ minutes | 91818–91845 |
Chronic Condition Management Plans | Video | 20–60+ minutes | 92029–92030 |
Allied Health Services | Video | 20+ minutes | 93000–93013 |
Specialist Consultations | Phone/Video | Varies | 91890–91899 |
How to Access a Telehealth Appointment
- Confirm your eligibility and ensure you have an established clinical relationship
- Register with MyMedicare if interested in extended telehealth access
- Select a practice that offers telehealth services
- Book an appointment and confirm the mode (phone or video)
- Ensure your device is working and has a stable connection
- Join the consultation at the scheduled time in a private space
- Follow the provider’s guidance, including prescriptions, tests or referrals
- Complete payment or Medicare claims if applicable
MyMedicare and Telehealth Reforms for 2025
MyMedicare is a voluntary patient registration initiative launched under the national 10-year Primary Health Care Plan. It encourages patients to nominate a preferred GP or general practice, promoting continuity of care and deeper patient-provider relationships. By establishing a formal link between patients and practices, MyMedicare underpins future reforms and enhances care coordination for chronic disease management and aged-care services.
Benefits for Patients and Providers
Patients | Providers |
Access to longer phone-based consultations | Financial incentives for longer consults |
More regular visits in aged-care settings | Support for managing complex patient needs |
Enhanced continuity and personalised care | Streamlined patient enrolment and tracking |
Longer Telehealth Consultations (Levels C & D)
Registered MyMedicare patients are eligible for:
- Level C: Telehealth consultation lasting more than 20 minutes
- Level D: Telehealth consultation lasting more than 40 minutes
Note:
- These extended consultations are only available by phone for MyMedicare-registered patients
- Video consultations for these durations remain available to all patients
Telehealth Duration Levels:
- A: ≤ 5 minutes (not commonly used)
- B: 6–20 minutes (available to all)
- C: >20 minutes (MyMedicare required for phone)
- D: >40 minutes (MyMedicare required for phone)
- E: >60 minutes (video only)
Triple Bulk-Billing Incentive
To reduce out-of-pocket costs and improve access:
- A triple bulk-billing incentive applies to:
- Level C, D and E telehealth services
- Level B services for children under 16, pensioners, and concession card holders
Patients must be registered with MyMedicare and attend their registered practice. Standard bulk-billing still applies to others, subject to the practice’s billing policy (health.gov.au).
Chronic Condition Management Reforms (1 July 2025)
Overview of the Changes
From 1 July 2025, the current system of GP Management Plans (GPMP) and Team Care Arrangements (TCA) will be replaced by a new single plan:
GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP)
This reform aims to:
- Streamline administrative processes
- Reduce duplication between plan types
- Emphasise continuity and regular review
- Require MyMedicare patients to access the plan via their registered practice
Key Policy Details
- Equalised fees for development and review encourage more frequent patient engagement
- Patients must have a reviewed plan within 18 months to continue accessing subsidised allied health services
- Formal referral process established for allied health
- Existing GPMP and TCA plans remain valid until June 2027
- Referrals made before July 2025 remain valid until used
- MyMedicare-registered patients must access the new plan from their nominated practice
Impact on Telehealth
Telehealth continues to support chronic disease care. GPCCMPs can be created and reviewed via video telehealth, helping patients in remote areas maintain continuity of care with minimal disruption.
Updates to the Established Clinical Relationship Rule and Other Policies
The established clinical relationship rule remains in effect. In most cases, patients must have had an in-person consultation with the GP or practice in the last 12 months.
Recent policy updates include:
- Pregnancy counselling telehealth exemptions ended 1 July 2024
- Mental health, blood-borne virus and reproductive health items remain exempt from the 12-month rule
- Providers and patients should check regularly for policy changes via health.gov.au and teldoc.com.au
Telehealth Benefits and Limitations in 2025
Major Benefits:
- Greater equity in healthcare access
- Reduced travel and time off work
- Continuity during natural disasters and pandemics
- Improved monitoring of chronic conditions
- MBS rebates equal to in-person services
Key Limitations:
- Not suitable for physical examinations, wound care or complex diagnostics
- Limited access during hospital admissions
- Requires internet access and digital competency
- Risk of fragmentation without coordination
Practical Guide to Accessing Telehealth in 2025
- Confirm that your GP offers telehealth and check eligibility
- Register for MyMedicare to unlock extended services and incentives
- Choose between phone or video (MyMedicare unlocks longer phone options)
- Schedule an appointment; ask about billing and bulk-billing eligibility
- Prepare your device (charged, internet-connected, camera and microphone enabled)
- Join the call in a quiet, well-lit space
- Discuss your needs and follow your GP’s instructions
- Arrange prescriptions, tests or referrals
- Book follow-ups, especially if managing chronic conditions
Implications and Future Outlook
Telehealth in 2025 represents a shift toward patient-centric, digitally enabled care. The integration of MyMedicare and the introduction of streamlined chronic disease management aim to improve long-term health outcomes.
Continuity of care is central to these reforms. Registered patients benefit from better coordination, easier access to extended services, and reduced costs.
However, challenges remain:
- Digital divide affecting elderly and remote populations
- Ensuring adequate provider training and resources
- Maintaining privacy and data security in digital systems
Looking ahead, telehealth will continue to evolve with technological advances, policy updates and patient feedback. It is now a core pillar of Australia’s healthcare future.