Why GPs Are Queuing Up to Apply for Telehealth Jobs

Engaging Your Workforce > Workplace Flexibility

Medicare-funded telehealth consults have rapidly become an integral part of the new normal for GPs, offering flexibility, safety, and attractive earning potential. This shift is evidenced by the substantial growth in telehealth roles advertised on AusDoc.JOBS and the corresponding high number of applicants.

Chief Medical Adviser Professor Michael Kidd’s prediction in March that the new telehealth item numbers represent the most significant change in Medicare’s history appears to be accurate. By the end of April, 4.6 million GP telehealth consults had already been conducted, according to data from the University of Queensland.

The appeal of telehealth extends to patients too, compensating for some of the declines in attendance and income during COVID-19. A GP from the NSW Central Coast highlights reduced exposure to infections as a significant benefit. “Some GPs are still not doing face-to-face consults due to their own medical history or fears, so they will be looking to increase their work-from-home income,” he explains.

Benefits of Telehealth for GPs

Flexibility and Work-Life Balance

Telehealth allows GPs to extend their working day by eliminating commuting time and offering the possibility to mix in-practice consults with work-from-home options. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for GPs with family commitments or those who prefer to avoid peak traffic hours.

The geographical flexibility of telehealth also enables GPs to supplement their income by accepting part-time roles during weekends or after hours. “It is very convenient to work from home, and it will become even more so once e-scripts are widely available,” says the Central Coast GP.

Safety and Reduced Exposure

The safety aspect of telehealth cannot be overstated. Reduced exposure to infections during the pandemic has been a critical factor for many GPs, especially those with underlying health conditions or heightened health concerns. This advantage has made telehealth an appealing option for a significant portion of the GP workforce.

Future of Telehealth

The telehealth item numbers introduced as a COVID-19 emergency measure were scheduled to be phased out in September 2020. However, the demand and benefits of telehealth have sparked significant advocacy efforts, such as Australian Doctor’s Don’t Hang Up on Telehealth petition, which thousands of GPs have supported.

Regardless of government funding decisions, telehealth appears poised to remain a staple in healthcare delivery. “I think telehealth is here to stay, regardless of whether the MBS funds it or not,” says the Central Coast GP. Many patients have become accustomed to the convenience of telehealth, preferring it for routine consultations such as receiving results or renewing prescriptions.

GP Feedback on Telehealth

Feedback from GPs highlights the widespread approval and enthusiasm for telehealth:

“In the days of COVID-19, being able to attend to my patients via telehealth was very convenient.”

“I am interested in working in telehealth as I believe it is a big part of the future of medicine and can have a huge reach, especially to vulnerable patients in the wider community.”

“Telehealth offers the added advantage of reducing the need for me to travel to my patients. Plus, I can work from the comfort of my home doing what I love.”

“It gives flexibility and is less stressful when you consider commuting time.”

“I am interested in telehealth because of the ability to break through geographic restrictions to reach people further away. Telehealth also adds diversity.”

Conclusion

The rapid adoption of telehealth during COVID-19 has ushered in a new era for healthcare delivery. The convenience, safety, and flexibility it offers to GPs have made it a highly sought-after mode of practice. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, telehealth stands out as a transformative approach likely to endure well beyond the pandemic.

For GPs and healthcare organisations alike, the future of telehealth presents an opportunity to enhance patient care while adapting to modern expectations of work-life balance and safety. The shift towards telehealth represents a significant advancement in making healthcare more accessible and efficient for all.

References

Annual Australian Doctor & AusDoc.JOBS Job Seeker Study (2021)

University of Queensland data on GP telehealth consults

Insights from GPs and industry experts on the benefits and future of telehealth

An AusDoc Article

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