News
GP feedback sought to shape the future of MBS
The DoHAC is reviewing common MBS time-tiered items for primary care, and the RACGP wants members’ input to ensure a strong future.
The Department of Health and Aged Care is conducting a review of the most common consultation items GPs use.
The RACGP is seeking member input via a survey to inform its response to the review of MBS time-tiered items for primary care, to ensure recommendations support GPs to continue to provide best practice quality care.
The MBS Review Advisory Committee (MRAC) review will include the most common MBS consult items GPs use, including attendance items such as item 23 and 36.
The review will examine issues such as item consistency, opportunities to streamline, and whether the current time-tiers appropriately support contemporary clinical practice.
According to the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC), time-tiered general practice items are the ‘foundation of primary care’ in the MBS and make up approximately a third of all MBS services delivered.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright told newsGP the college wants as many GPs as possible to share their views, saying the review could have ‘major impact on the way we practice’.
‘These item numbers make up the majority of MBS payments for GPs and our patients, so it’s really important that we ensure changes to item numbers reflect the needs of GPs and patients,’ he said.
‘It’s important for the review to hear what’s working and what isn’t working within the MBS.
‘We must make sure any changes ensure affordable access to high-quality care for our patients and support the financial viability of general practice.’
The college is asking members to identify:
- concerns with the current time-tiered items
- current time-tiered items which they believe should no longer be time-based
- items which are not currently time-based which they believe should be.
Members are also being surveyed on whether they would support the introduction of additional time-tiered items, such as adding more item numbers to shorten the time interval within each band, and whether the current time-tiered MBS rebate is adequate for each consultation.
With Medicare
recently marking its 40-year anniversary, Dr Wright says it’s critical to ensure the future of the system is sustainable and supports general practice care.
‘These items are the main funding source for general practice, so we need to make sure changes support access for our patients, don’t increase bureaucracy or regulation, and meet the future needs of our population and of Australian general practice,’ he said.
RACGP members can provide feedback to the MRAC review via
an online survey or emailing
healthreform@racgp.org.au by 10 January.
A working group, including members from general practice, rural health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and health economics has been appointed for the review.
Consultation on a findings report is expected to commence in 2025.
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general practice billing MBS MBS review practice viability time-tiered items
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