I can help — here’s a concise, practical summary of how Medicare telehealth billing works in Australia right now (key rules, recent changes you must know, and what to do when billing). I’ve cited official guidance where relevant.

What “telehealth” now means

• From recent MBS changes telehealth covers video and phone consultations, but video is the preferred substitute for face‑to‑face. Phone (audio‑only) is allowed only where clinically appropriate. (servicesaustralia.gov.au)

Who can claim and which items to use

• Only practitioners with a Medicare provider number who meet the item descriptions can claim MBS telehealth items. Video and phone consults have different MBS item numbers (don’t use a face‑to‑face item for a phone/video consult). Telehealth items carry the same MBS benefit (rebate) as equivalent face‑to‑face items. (servicesaustralia.gov.au)

Geographic and eligibility rules

• Many telehealth items require the patient to be in an “eligible” location (commonly: at least 15 km by road from the practitioner or in a Modified Monash eligible area). There are defined exceptions (e.g., patients in eligible residential aged care, some Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services). Always check the item description for any geographic or clinical eligibility. Use the Department/DoctorConnect locator to confirm location eligibility if unsure. (servicesaustralia.gov.au)

Initial versus follow‑up consultations

• The pre‑COVID temporary provisions allowing initial telehealth consults were scaled back; in many cases MBS telehealth items apply to follow‑up care only (initial face‑to‑face still required for many specialist/GP items). (This has been the subject of calls for change for rural access — check specific item descriptions for exceptions.) (RACGP.org.au)

Recent / important changes (need to confirm for specific item numbers)

• The MBS has been updated periodically (notably changes published 1 March 2025 and assorted telehealth factsheets). Some older COVID-era items were removed or consolidated; new video/phone items were added or adjusted. Because item numbers and eligibility rules have been changing, always confirm the current MBS item wording before billing. (servicesaustralia.gov.au)

Practical billing checklist (what you should do every telehealth consult)

1. Confirm and record the patient’s location at the time of the consult (address/postcode) and confirm it meets the item’s eligibility. (servicesaustralia.gov.au)
2. Use the correct MBS item number (video vs phone) that exactly matches the service provided and the clinician type. (servicesaustralia.gov.au)
3. Document clinical justification for using phone (if not video) — i.e., why video wasn’t clinically appropriate. (servicesaustralia.gov.au)
4. Obtain and note patient consent to a telehealth consultation, and confirm privacy/confidentiality measures used. (servicesaustralia.gov.au)
5. Bulk‑billing / patient fees: follow existing MBS rules for the item (some items or circumstances may require or allow bulk‑billing; others permit private billing). Check the item or Services Australia guidance for specifics. (servicesaustralia.gov.au)

Compliance risks to watch for

• Using a face‑to‑face item when you provided telehealth, or using the wrong telehealth item (video vs phone), can trigger Medicare compliance review. Also be mindful of prescribed patterns of practice limits (e.g., rules relating to high volumes of telehealth/phone consultations may attract review). Keep clear records. (RACGP.org.au)

If you want me to do one of these for you (I recommend it)

• Look up the current MBS item number(s) for a specific type of consult (e.g., GP Level B phone vs video; initial specialist consult; allied health video items). I can fetch exact current item numbers and the precise eligibility wording. (This is important because item numbers and eligibility wording have changed multiple times and differ by clinician/service.)

Would you like me to fetch the exact MBS item numbers and the full billing rules for a specific consultation type now (for example: GP 20‑minute consult by phone/video; initial specialist consult; allied health telehealth)?