07 May 2010 Changes to MBS primary care items
In December last year, the Federal Government announced changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) in a first step to simplify the schedule, remove red tape and encourage preventive care. The changes to the primary care items came into effect on 1 May 2010.
The college welcomed the clarity on the Level B, C and D items, including the opportunity to provide preventive advice. However, the 2% increase in rebates for the long consultation items (Level C and D), while welcome, still does not provide sufficient incentives for longer and more comprehensive consultations. It’s now very important that GPs familiarise themselves with the changes to the structure of health assessment items. Ten health assessment items have been replaced by four new time based items. For more information, read the factsheet for GPs at www.health.gov.au/mbsprimarycareitems.
M5 Project - RACGP men's health initiative helping men to help themselves
M5 encourages men and those who care about them to recognise the importance of men forming an ongoing relationship with a GP.
