Recent data has showed that general practice bulk billing, along with MyMedicare participation for practices and Australians is on the rise. General Practice bulk billing rates have increased nationally by 3.4% [1] over the last 7 months since triple bulk billing changes came into effect on 1 November 2023. This amounts to two million additional bulk billed visits for Australians.
It’s a timely reminder for practices to continue to register for MyMedicare, which allows patients and practices to benefit from the triple bulk billing incentive [2] for longer MBS telehealth consultations (Levels C, D and E) for children aged under 16, pensioners, and concession card holders.
As of June 2024, over 6000 practices along with over 1.2 million patients have registered for MyMedicare, up from around one million patients and 5,800 practices in April 2024 [3].
From 1 July, the new General Practice in Aged Care Incentive commenced, providing incentive payments to practices and general practitioners for delivering regular visits and care planning to older people living in residential aged care. This is the first incentive that requires MyMedicare registration and is voluntary for both consumers and general practices [4]. MyMedicare aims to formalise the relationship between patients, their general practice, GP and primary care teams.
More information is available in the links below:
- General Practice in Aged Care Incentive – Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- General Practice in Aged Care Incentive – Health professionals – Services Australia
If you need any additional support, or have any questions, please email support@wentwest.com.au or call (02) 8811 7117.
Information is correct as of 11 July 2024.
[1] Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) (2024), Over 2 million additional bulk billed GP visits and $414 million saved on medicines, Minister Butler’s media. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/over-2-million-additional-bulk-billed-gp-visits-and-414-million-saved-on-medicines
[2] DoHAC (2024), Information for MyMedicare general practices and healthcare providers, MyMedicare. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/mymedicare/practices-and-providers
[3] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2024), The ongoing challenge of chronic conditions in Australia, Australia’s Health. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/chronic-conditions-challenge
[4] DoHAC (2024), MyMedicare, Our work. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/mymedicare