Impact of policy changes of Medicare-rebated telehealth services on medical abortions provided at a family planning service during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Yan Cheng
A B , Clare J. Boerma A C , Kevin McGeechan A and Jane Estoesta A *
A Family Planning NSW, 8 Holker Street, Newington, NSW 2127, Australia.
B Cancer Institute NSW, Level 4, 1 Reserved Road, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia.
C University of Sydney, 1-3 Ross Street (K06), NSW 2006, Australia.
Sexual Health 20(4) 357-359 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH22196
Submitted: 15 December 2022 Accepted: 15 June 2023 Published: 3 July 2023
© 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing
Abstract
This study reviewed data on the mode of delivery of medical abortion care (via face-to-face or telehealth) at a Family Planning service during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic; April 2020 to March 2022. This was considered over time, in the context of changing eligibility criteria for Medicare-rebated telehealth services as well as patient demographic data. The study demonstrated that when Medicare rebates for telehealth are available for all those requiring abortion care, telehealth contributes to care provision alongside face-to-face services, and is more likely to be utilised by people living in regional and remote areas.
Keywords: epidemiology, family planning, primary care, public health, reproductive health, service delivery, social determinants, telehealth, women.
References
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