“Better Access reform: what you need to know”
09 Oct 2025
Significant changes to the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners initiative will take effect from 1 November 2025.
Under the new rules, Medicare benefits for Better Access services will only apply if the mental health treatment plan, its review, and referrals are completed at a patient’s MyMedicare-registered practice or by their usual medical practitioner.
A patient’s usual medical practitioner is defined as someone who has provided most of their care in the past 12 months or is likely to do so in the next 12 months. This includes other GPs or prescribed medical practitioners working at the same practice.
Patients still have the flexibility to choose their usual medical practitioner for mental health support, even if that practitioner is at a different practice than their MyMedicare registration. This ensures people can organise their physical and mental healthcare according to their needs.
To help members understand and navigate these changes, the Australian Medical Association (AMA), in partnership with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, is hosting a CPD-accredited webinar:
Date: Tuesday, 14 October 2025
Time: 7pm–8pm AEDT
Register now
More information about the Better Access changes is available on the Department of Health website and MBS Online.
Source: Australian Medical Association, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
