RACGP and AMA Seek Temporary Telehealth Rule Change During Fuel Supply Disruptions
30 Jul 2026
The organisations have written to Federal Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler, proposing a temporary adjustment to the 30/20 prescribed pattern of service rule.
Under the current Medicare rules, GPs may be referred for a Professional Services Review if they provide 30 or more telehealth consultations a day on 20 or more days within a 12-month period.
The RACGP and AMA are not seeking to increase the daily consultation limit. Instead, they recommend extending the threshold from 20 days to 50 days while a Level 3 fuel security event remains in place.
The proposal comes as concerns continue over global fuel supply disruptions linked to ongoing instability in the Middle East. Australia is currently operating under Level 2 of the National Fuel Security Plan.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said higher fuel prices could make telehealth an increasingly important option for patients, particularly those facing financial pressure or living in areas where travel becomes more difficult.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing acknowledged that fuel supply and pricing may affect access to healthcare and said it continues to monitor the situation while providing advice to the Government as conditions evolve.
Earlier this year, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) encouraged healthcare professionals to consider telehealth where clinically appropriate to reduce unnecessary travel during periods of fuel disruption.
The RACGP said introducing temporary arrangements before any escalation to Level 3 would allow practices to respond quickly while ensuring patients continue to receive timely care.
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said establishing contingency measures in advance would strengthen the health system's ability to respond if fuel supply conditions worsen.
RACGP and AMA Seek Temporary Telehealth Rule Change During Fuel Supply Disruptions
Source: RACGP, AMA and newsGP.