The Australasian Telehealth Society was formed in 2008 to fill a long-felt need to create a forum for all of those involed in telehealth in Australia

Some of its roles include:

Bringing together a community which is currently fragmented and does not have a single forum for sharing of issues. It brings researchers, telehealth practitioners, clinicians and industry partners together in a unique interdisciplinary grouping.

Creating a credible channel for bringing issues effecting TeleHealth to the attention of decision makers. It encourages the use of TeleHealth models and services to address issues confronting the Australian health system, such as the provision of specialist services to remote /regional hospitals and primary health care services.

Recommending guidelines and standards of practice for telemedicine services ensuring Quality /Safety and optimal patient care are maintained.

Assisting in resolving such issues as billing for telemedicine or the delivery of services across jurisdictional boundaries.

Investigate and influence policy /legislative opportunities to integrate telemedicine into mainstream health care including promotion of Medicare Item Numbers and cross border registration of health professionals for telemedicine practice.

Making Australia a part of the international telehealth community, through membership of the International Society for Telemedicine and eHealth (ISfTeH) and other relevant international organisations.