Your browser doesn't support javascript.
Specialist consultation activity and costs in Australia: Before and after the introduction of COVID-19 telehealth funding.
De Guzman, Keshia R; Caffery, Liam J; Smith, Anthony C; Snoswell, Centaine L.
  • De Guzman KR; Centre for Online Health, 430948The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
  • Caffery LJ; Centre for Health Services Research, 558219The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
  • Smith AC; Centre for Online Health, 430948The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
  • Snoswell CL; Centre for Health Services Research, 558219The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
J Telemed Telecare ; 27(10): 609-614, 2021 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1546645
ABSTRACT
This study describes and analyses the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) activity and cost data for specialist consultations in Australia, as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To achieve this, activity and cost data for MBS specialist consultations conducted from March 2019 to February 2021 were analysed month-to-month. MBS data for in-person, videoconference and telephone consultations were compared before and after the introduction of COVID-19 MBS telehealth funding in March 2020. The total number of MBS specialist consultations claimed per month did not differ significantly before and after the onset of COVID-19 (p = 0.717), demonstrating telehealth substitution of in-person care. After the introduction of COVID-19 telehealth funding, the average number of monthly telehealth consultations increased (p < 0.0001), representing an average of 19% of monthly consultations. A higher proportion of consultations were provided by telephone when compared to services delivered by video. Patient-end services did not increase after the onset of COVID-19, signifying a divergence from the historical service delivery model. Overall, MBS costs for specialist consultations did not vary significantly after introducing COVID-19 telehealth funding (p = 0.589). Telehealth consultations dramatically increased during COVID-19 and patients continued to receive specialist care. After the onset of COVID-19, the cost per telehealth specialist consultation was reduced, resulting in increased cost efficiency to the MBS.
Subject(s)
Keywords

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Referral and Consultation / Telemedicine / COVID-19 Type of study: Experimental Studies Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Oceania Language: English Journal: J Telemed Telecare Journal subject: Medical Informatics / Health Services Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 1357633X211042433

Similar

MEDLINE

...
LILACS

LIS


Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Referral and Consultation / Telemedicine / COVID-19 Type of study: Experimental Studies Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Oceania Language: English Journal: J Telemed Telecare Journal subject: Medical Informatics / Health Services Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 1357633X211042433