In a joint letter to the Federal Government, the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), and the four largest providers of practitioners in the allied health sector are proposing a solution to bridge a significant gap in the new residential aged care funding model scheduled to be introduced next year.

The Federal Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has already agreed that every aged care resident must receive a minimum of 200 minutes of care per day.

Today’s announcement by Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt that telehealth will be funded permanently is welcome news to the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) and its members. APA members have reported appropriate client uptake and a high degree of satisfaction with telehealth, particularly during COVID-19 restrictions.

APA National President Phil Calvert says, “The announcement of ongoing MBS funding for allied health services will give physios another tool in their significant repertoire to deliver a range of vital services to Australians.”