The changes on 1 July 2022 which removed Medicare benefits from telephone consultations (except one item) has had a significant impact on the delivery of medical services.

Having made telephone consultations available, their removal has had an impact on patients, particularly those in rural, regional and remote areas where video coverage may be poor, and on the elderly, most of whom are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with video consultations.

The AACP is aware that members are keen to see the return of more telephone consultation options and is continuing to seek reconsideration of this decision and the reinstatement of telephone consultations.