On 25 September the Department of Health and Aged Care announced the commencement date for Chronic Conditions Management MBS item changes have been deferred to 1 July 2025.
The additional time will support all practices and providers, including GPs and allied health providers, to be ready for the changes to these important services. Previously, these changes were due to come into effect from 1 November 2024.
What to Expect
Subject to the passage of legislation, from 1 July 2025 a revised framework for MBS items for chronic disease management in primary care will come into effect. These arrangements simplify and streamline the current MBS arrangements, including:
- Replacing the current GP management plan and team care arrangements items with a single GP chronic condition management plan,
- Patients will be eligible for the plan whether their condition is managed by their GP or prescribed medical practitioner, or multidisciplinary care is required,
- Where multidisciplinary care is required, patients will be able to access the same range of services currently available through GP management plans and team care arrangements, and
- GPs and prescribed medical practitioners will refer patients with a GP chronic condition management plan to allied health services directly. The requirement to consult with at least two collaborating providers, as described under the current team care arrangements will be removed.
Further details will be published on MBS Online as soon as possible.
Preparation Steps for Your Practice: Chronic Conditions Management and MyMedicare Registration
Here are some ideas you might like to consider starting to prepare your practice team for Chronic Conditions Management and MyMedicare patient registration:
- Team Discussion: Review and discuss the upcoming changes with your team to ensure everyone understands how to integrate MyMedicare registration into your chronic disease management workflows. More Info
- MyMedicare Registration: Ensure your practice is registered with MyMedicare. Register Here
- Patient Engagement: Encourage your patients, especially those with chronic conditions, to register for MyMedicare:
- Staff Training: Equip your team with the knowledge to discuss MyMedicare benefits. Include MyMedicare brochures and FAQs in staff areas. View Resources
- Registration Workflow : Add the MyMedicare registration form to your patient appointment paperwork. Download Forms
- Website Update: Embed links to MyMedicare registration info and FAQs on your practice’s website. Link to Info
- In-Practice Promotion: Display MyMedicare information and videos in waiting areas. Access Materials
- Social Media Outreach: Share MyMedicare updates on your practice’s social media channels. Social Media Tiles
The MyMedicare communication resources for General Practice includes social media tiles, videos, brochures and posters.
We will keep you updated with more information about these changes as it is released. Please contact our virtual support team at support@wentwest.com.au for more information.
How Can We Support Your Practice?
Our Primary Care Development Team can support you and your practice with CDM MBS changes by:
- Registration of your practice with MyMedicare
- Identify Chronic Conditions patients that could benefit from care planning
- Provide MBS optimisation opportunities
- Improve workflows, educate staff, and help you engage patients to ensure a smooth transition.
Need More Information?
Practices and providers are encouraged to contact our team if they need further information on MyMedicare eligibility or registration. You can contact your Primary Care Delivery Officer directly or email our Virtual Support team at support@wentwest.com.au
Information is correct as of 11am, 27 September 2024.