Changes to the Better Access initiative will improve access, reduce complexity, and support stronger patient–GP relationships.
Effective 1 November, 2025, the changes will make GPs and Prescribed Medical Practitioners (PMP) more central to the management of mental health care under Medicare, subject to the passage of legislation.
Key Changes
- All Mental Health Treatment Plans and referrals must now come from either a GP at the patient’s MyMedicare registered practice or the patient’s “usual medical practitioner” regardless of MyMedicare registration.
- GPs will now use time-tiered general attendance MBS items to:
- Review (MHTPs)
- Refer patients for mental health treatment
- Provide general mental health care which gives practices more flexibility and access to longer consultation items and bulk billing incentives.
- Telehealth services for MHTPs will also follow the MyMedicare/usual practitioner rule and will no longer be exempt from the established clinical relationship requirement.
- Deletion of 12 mental health MBS items including those for Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTPs) reviews and ongoing mental health consultations.’
What Stays the Same
- Existing MHTP referrals dated before 1 November remain valid until all sessions are used.
- Focussed Psychological Strategies can still be provided by any eligible GP/PMP with recognised training.
- Referrals from psychiatrists or paediatricians are not affected.
Eligibility
- Better Access treatment services are for patients needing moderate or higher levels of mental health support.
- The patient being registered with MyMedicare and seeing a GP/PMP at their registered practice, or seeing their usual medical practitioner if not registered.
Read More
- Visit the Better Access Mental Health Initiative page
- Visit MBS Online – Better Access changes
- For free or low-cost mental health services, visit Medicare Mental Health or contact your PHN for local referral options.