COSA and PCPA welcome telehealth reversal for immunocompromised patients

Pharma News: The Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) welcomes Government’s announcement that enables immunocompromised patients, including those diagnosed with cancer, to access Medicare rebates for phone calls with their specialists until 30 June 2022.

COSA has been advocating for the reversal of changes to the MBS telehealth arrangements, which were originally announced to come into effect in January 2022, restricting the use of phone consultations for some specialist items in favour of video conferencing.

COSA President and Medical Oncologist, Professor Fran Boyle AM, said in the context of COVID-19 Omicron rates surging, this news will ensure equitable care for all immunocompromised patients, including people with cancer.

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“We know that many people with cancer are already vulnerable due to their disease and treatments. Video conferencing was not an option for many, notably older people and others with limited access to technology and reliable internet, especially those living in regional and rural parts of Australia. Some patients may be challenged following instructions in English, and for others discussing culturally sensitive matters presents additional stress. This announcement enables us to use telehealth – in whatever form cancer patients can access it – to keep them on treatment, and out of high-risk settings.”

COSA recognises that telehealth has been vital to ensuring continuity of care, as well as greater flexibility in healthcare delivery since the start of the pandemic. It’s also been fundamental to keeping our vulnerable cancer patients, as well as multidisciplinary cancer health professionals, safe.

In particular, COSA applauds the introduction of temporary specialist telehealth video and phone MBS items for patients in hospital and initial and complex specialist telephone consultation items. “We anticipate complex cases would benefit from a video consultation, and phone would be appropriate for short consultations. We also praise the Government for making these services available nationally, rather than only in ‘hotspot’ areas,” she added.

The President of the Private Cancer Physicians of Australia (PCPA), A/Professor Christopher Steer, said the announcement by the Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP and the Regional Health Minister, Dr David Gillespie MP, was an immense relief for Australia’s cancer patients, their families and their specialists.

“At a time of surging pandemic, we need our immunocompromised vulnerable Australians to stay at home and not be forced to travel into public areas where COVID-19 may be rampant,” A/Professor Steer said.

While COSA and PCPA applaud the Government’s announcement, they will continue to advocate for the reinstatement of the 50% loading for video consultations for regional and rural patients.

“We must always prioritise the wellbeing of our most vulnerable Australians,” A/Professor Steer said. “We will do all we can to work with the Government to reduce the out-of-pocket costs of those already struggling with cancer and ensure any future policy decisions do not add to the financial toxicity of their cancer journey.”