Telehealth
TAC funding of telehealth services
In response to Covid-19, the TAC has introduced temporary funding of telehealth services to ensure clients can continue to access essential treatments and services. These arrangements will remain in place until 30 September 2020.
Telehealth services will allow providers to use video conferencing to deliver health services to a client and/or communicate health information about that client.
Some TAC clients may not have access to videoconferencing. Telephone consultations may be used if videoconferencing is not possible.
TAC telehealth rates are now available for the following professions. Please click a link below to see the item codes and rates for each health profession:
- Case Management
- Chiropractors
- Dietetics
- Exercise Physiologists
- General Practitioners
- Medical Specialists (including Psychiatrists)
- Nursing (Continence)
- Occupational Therapists
- Osteopaths
- Outreach
- Physiotherapists/Neurophysiotherapists
- Podiatrists
- Private Hospitals
- Prosthetists and Orthotists
- Psychologists/Neuropsychologists
- Social Workers
- Speech Pathologists
Telehealth is also available for the following under current TAC funding arrangements:
- Case management
- Outreach services
- Network pain management
Telehealth invoices can be backdated to 13 March 2020. There will be no changes to the current approval processes for TAC services.
The TAC expects its providers to use telehealth when it is clinically appropriate to do so and relates to a client’s transport accident injuries. Telehealth services must be provided in line with the Provider guidelines for delivery of telehealth services, the TAC Clinical Framework, providers’ peak body associations and Federal/State policy.
Provider guidelines for delivery of telehealth services
Telehealth is designed to replace a regular face-to-face consultation session, and providers should charge appropriately. Short telephone conversations with patients, or other communication outside of a consultation, do not constitute a chargeable service.
Providers should only use telehealth when it is clinically appropriate to do so and relates to a client’s transport accident injuries. Normal standards of practice apply to telehealth as they would in face to face consultations and providers are required to use the applicable telehealth item numbers when billing for services conducted via telehealth.
The telehealth services must:
- achieve optimal clinical, functional and vocational outcomes for TAC clients
- be provided in accordance with the Clinical Framework for the Delivery of Health Services
- adhere to ethical principles and codes of conduct
- adhere to relevant peak body telehealth guidelines
- comply with Federal and State policy
- be delivered to TAC clients in Australia (not overseas), even if the provider is delivering the service from Australia
Practitioners must:
- have competency in the clinical service being delivered and in the use of equipment required to provide telehealth services (the TAC will not pay for technology, phones, phone calls or internet services required by providers)
- ensure that they are up to date with training and development provided by their respective peak bodies
- ensure that the client has provided consent to participate in a telehealth service
- exercise extra care and precaution when discussing telehealth with vulnerable clients, particularly with regard to privacy and the benefits and limitations of telehealth with vulnerable clients
Factors to consider when assessing a TAC client for telehealth services include:
- the ability of the client to access and successfully use the technology (the TAC does not routinely pay for technology (e.g. phones, or devices), phone calls or internet services required by clients. The TAC will pay for equipment in line with our existing polices.
- the client’s location is a safe and effective environment
- providers have a plan in place to mitigate any potential risk to the client
- the platform being used provides adequate video quality for the service being provided
The TAC will evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of telehealth service provision and collect feedback from clients about the safety and quality of services they receive.
Technology platforms
Platforms that can be utilised for the delivery of telehealth services include Zoom, Skype, Facetime, Coviu, Whatsapp or those recommended by providers’ peak bodies. Consultations by phone/audio platforms can be made if videoconferencing is not available.
Telehealth is not considered to be an email, SMS, app or video ONLY and these cannot be billed as a telehealth consultation. However, these items can be used in conjunction with the delivery of a consultation.
Invoicing
Most providers can use LanternPay to check a client’s eligibility for TAC services and get next business day payments. Go to lanternpay.com/providers to sign in or register, or visit tac.vic.gov.au/lanternpay for more information.
Providers can also submit invoices as an attachment to invoices@tac.vic.gov.au
Telehealth fees
Case Management
| Service Description | TAC Telehealth Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Discrete Hourly Rate (existing F2F item CAP180) | CAP180T | $96.77 |
Chiropractic
| Service Description | TAC Telehealth Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation (existing F2F item C600) | C600T | $57.95 |
| Standard consultation (existing F2F item C602) | C602T | $47.35 |
Dietetics
| Service Description | TAC Telehealth Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation (existing F2F item D600) | D600T | $60.64 |
| Standard consultation: Up to 30 mins (existing F2F item D602) | D602T | $48.52 |
| Long consultation: > 30 mins - 45 mins (existing F2F item D604) | D604T | $72.51 |
| Prolonged consultation: > 45 mins - 60 mins (existing F2F item D606) | D606T | $96.90 |
Exercise Physiology
| Service Description | TAC Telehealth Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Standard consultation (30 min) | EXP004T | $64.91 |
| Long standard consultation (1 hour) (existing F2F item EXP001) | EXP001T | $97.37 |
Nursing (Continence)
| Service Description | TAC Telehealth Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist assessment by a nurse to review client's medical care needs (existing F2F item NS670) | NS670T | $100.67 |
Occupational Therapy
| Service Description | TAC Telehealth Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| General OT/SWEP (Green / Amber) | ||
| Initial consultation (existing F2F item OTSG01) | OTSG01T | $60.64 |
| Standard consultation: Up to 30 mins (existing F2F item OTSG02) | OTSG02T | $48.52 |
| Long consultation: > 30 mins - 45 mins (existing F2F item OTSG03) | OTSG03T | $72.51 |
| Prolonged consultation: > 45 mins - 60 mins (existing F2F item OTSG04) | OTSG04T | $96.90 |
| Undertake inspection, education and complete report (home mods) (existing F2F item OTSG08) | OTSG08T | $106.47 |
| Undertake inspection, education and complete report (home services) (existing F2F item OTSG12) | OTSG12T | $106.47 |
| FIR Assessment/Liaison (existing F2F item OTSG15) | OTSG15T | $106.47 |
| SWEP Red - Occupational Therapy Treatment | ||
| Service session. Rate per hour, billed in 15 minute increments (existing F2F item OTSR01) | OTSR01T | $135.44 |
| Assessment & report: Completion of the Assessment and the provision of a Report(per hour) TAC approval required for > 5 hours (initial) (existing F2F item OTSR04) | OTSR04T | $148.99 |
| Follow up services (initial): Completion of the specific actions required to facilitate achievement of the goals identified in the Assessment Report in accordance with the approval given by the TAC (per hour). Maximum 6 hours (existing item OTSR05) | OTSR05T | $135.44 |
| SWEP Red - Follow Up/Review Services - Home Services | ||
| Assessment & report (follow up): Completion of the Assessment and the provision of a Report (per hour) TAC approval required for > 4 hours (existing F2F item OTSR08) | OTSR08T | $148.99 |
| Follow up services (follow up): Completion of the specific actions required to facilitate achievement of the goals identified in the Assessment Report in accordance with the approval given by the TAC (per hour). Maximum 6 hours (existing F2F item OTSR09) | OTSR09T | $135.44 |
| SWEP Red - Functional Independence Review | ||
| Assessment & report (FIR): Completion of the Assessment and the provision of a Report(per hour) TAC approval required for > 6 hours (existing F2F item OTSR12) | OTSR12T | $148.99 |
| Follow up services (FIR): Completion of the specific actions required to facilitate achievement of the goals identified in the Assessment Report in accordance with the approval given by the TAC (per hour). Maximum 6 hours (existing F2F item OTSR13) | OTSR13T | $135.44 |
| SWEP Red - Equipment | ||
| Assessment & report (Equipment): Completion of the Assessment and the provision of a Report (per hour) TAC approval required for > 5 hours (existing F2F item OTSR16) | OTSR16T | $148.99 |
| Follow up services (Equipment): Completion of the specific actions required to facilitate achievement of the goals identified in the Assessment Report in accordance with the approval given by the TAC (per hour). Maximum 6 hours (existing F2F item OTSR17) | OTSR17T | $135.44 |
| SWEP Red - Home Modifications | ||
| Assessment & report (Home Mods): Completion of the Assessment and the provision of a Report (per hour) TAC approval required for > 8 hours (existing F2F item OTSR20) | OTSR20T | $148.99 |
| Follow up services (Home Mods): Completion of the specific actions required to facilitate achievement of the goals identified in the Assessment Report in accordance with the approval given by the TAC (per hour). (existing F2F item OTSR21) | OTSR21T | $135.44 |
| SWEP Red - Transport Assessment | ||
| Assessment & report (Transport assessment): Completion of the Assessment and the provision of a Report (per hour) TAC approval required for > 4 hours (existing F2F item OTSR24) | OTSR24T | $148.99 |
| Follow up services (Transport assessment): Completion of the specific actions required to facilitate achievement of the goals identified in the Assessment Report in accordance with the approval given by the TAC (per hour). Maximum 6 hours (existing F2F item OTSR25) | OTSR25T | $135.44 |
| SWEP Red - Vehicle Modifications Assessment | ||
| Assessment & report (Vehicle Mods): Completion of the Assessment and the provision of a Report (per hour) TAC approval required for > 6 hours (existing F2F item OTSR28) | OTSR28T | $148.99 |
| Follow up services (Vehicle Mods): Completion of the specific actions required to facilitate achievement of the goals identified in the Assessment Report in accordance with the approval given by the TAC (per hour) (existing F2F item OTSR29) | OTSR29T | $135.44 |
| Occupational Therapy Vocational Services | ||
| Worksite assessment (per hour) (existing F2F item VOC005) | VOC005T | $106.47 |
| Post placement support (per hour) (existing F2F item VOC010) | VOC010T | $106.47 |
Osteopathy
| Service Description | TAC Telehealth Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation (existing F2F item O600) | O600T | $67.04 |
| Standard consultation (existing F2F item O602) | O602T | $53.93 |
Outreach services
| Service Description | TAC Telehealth Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Outreach Service (per hour) (existing F2F item ROS002) | ROS002T | $95.06 |
Physiotherapy / Neurophysiotherapy
| Service Description | TAC Telehealth Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy (private) | ||
| Initial consultation (existing F2F item PY600R) | PY600RT | $73.01 |
| Standard consultation (existing F2F item PY602R) | PY602RT | $55.63 |
| Extended consult (31-40min) (existing F2F item PY614R) | PY614RT | $69.59 |
| Extended consult (40min+) (existing F2F item PY616R) | PY616RT | $111.16 |
| Consultation with AHTRP (existing F2F item PY604R) | PY604RT | $73.01 |
| Worksite/home/equipment inspection & report (existing F2F item PY620H) | PY620HT | $122.29 |
| TAC team meeting (existing F2F item PY625H) | PY625HT | $122.29 |
| Early Intervention Physiotherapy Framework (EIPF) | ||
| Initial consult <7months from MVA (existing F2F item EPA100) | EPA100T | $105.84 |
| Initial consult >7months from MVA (existing F2F item EPB100) | EPB100T | $73.01 |
| Standard consult <7months from MVA (existing F2F item EPA102) | EPA102T | $69.87 |
| Standard consult >7months from MVA (existing F2F item EPB102) | EPB102T | $55.63 |
| Extended consult (31-40min) <9months from MVA (existing F2F item EPA107) | EPA107T | $93.15 |
| Extended consult (31-40min) >9months from MVA (existing F2F item EPB107) | EPB107T | $69.59 |
| Extended consult (40min+) <9months from MVA (existing F2F item EPA108) | EPA108T | $116.45 |
| Extended consult (40min+) >9months from MVA (existing F2F item EPB108) | EPB108T | $111.16 |
| Workplace assessment & report (existing F2F item WPA101) | WPA101T | $161.68 |
| Home/equipment inspection & report (existing F2F item PY620H) | PY620HT | $122.29 |
Podiatry
| Service Description | TAC Telehealth Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation (existing F2F item F002) | F002T | $60.64 |
| Standard consultation: Up to 30 mins (existing F2F item F012) | F012T | $48.52 |
| Long consultation: > 30 mins - 45 mins (existing F2F item F014) | F014T | $72.66 |
| Prolonged consultation: > 45 mins - 60 mins (existing F2F item F016) | F016T | $96.90 |
Prosthetics and Orthotics
| Service Description | TAC Telehealth Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation (existing F2F item PR600) | PR600T | $60.64 |
| Standard consultation: Up to 30 mins (existing F2F item PR602) | PR602T | $48.52 |
| Long consultation: > 30 mins - 45 mins (existing F2F item PR604) | PR604T | $72.51 |
| Prolonged consultation: > 45 mins - 60 mins (existing F2F item PR606) | PR606T | $96.90 |
Psychology / Neuropsychology
| Service Description | TAC Telehealth Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate (pro rata in 15min units to a max 1hr) (existing F2F item 90000) | 90000T | $166.12 |
| Family counselling (existing F2F item 90001) | 90001T | $166.12 |
Social Work
| Service Description | TAC Telehealth Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation (existing F2F item SW600) | SW600T | $60.64 |
| Standard consultation: Up to 30 mins (existing F2F item SW602) | SW602T | $48.52 |
| Long consultation: > 30 mins - 45 mins (existing F2F item SW604) | SW604T | $72.51 |
| Prolonged consultation: > 45 mins - 60 mins (existing F2F item SW606) | SW606T | $96.90 |
Speech Pathology
| Service Description | TAC Telehealth Item Number | Maximum Payment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate (existing F2F item ST604) | ST604T | $96.90 |
