How this fits in

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, major telehealth initiatives were implemented to ensure access to primary care while minimising disease transmission. Routinely collected whole-population data from Australia showed that the introduction of telehealth during the pandemic largely maintained use of GP services while minimising costs to patients. However, compared with pre-pandemic levels, GP use was lower among individuals aged 3–14 years, ≥70 years, and those not proficient in English — although these age groups also saw the greatest reduction in out-of-pocket costs per service. As telehealth initiatives are integrated into standard GP care, it is vital to ensure that telehealth is designed and funded to support these groups and the ongoing financial viability of practices.