Major Medicare Changes Coming 1 November
30 Oct 2025
Bulk-Billing Incentives
All Medicare-eligible patients will now be eligible for bulk-billing incentives, with item descriptors updated to remove age and concession card restrictions. The new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP) will provide additional funding to practices that bulk bill all patients, though practices don’t need to join BBPIP to claim the updated bulk-billing items. Diagnostic imaging and pathology incentives remain unchanged.
Telehealth Updates
From 1 November, patients can meet the “established clinical relationship” requirement for telehealth if they are registered with the practice under MyMedicare. Mental health consultations via telehealth now require the patient to be registered or have attended the practice in person within the past 12 months, except for Focussed Psychological Strategies consultations. Nurse practitioner telehealth items are also affected.
Better Access Scheme Changes
Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTPs) must now be completed by the patient’s usual GP or MyMedicare-registered practice. Some MBS items (2712 and 2713) will be removed, with standard consultation items used instead. Bulk-billed services can claim the tripled bulk-billing incentive. Existing referrals before 1 November remain valid until treatment is completed.
Changes to LARC Items
Schedule fees for several LARC items are increasing, and a new item (35501) will provide a 40% bonus when LARC services are bulk billed. Descriptors for existing LARC items are being updated to reflect the new item.
Skin Excision Item Updates
Some skin excision MBS items will now allow for “healing by secondary intention,” where wounds are left to heal naturally rather than being closed with sutures, flaps, or grafts. Only the relevant skin excision item should be claimed in these cases.
For detailed factsheets and resources, including webinars, posters, and patient materials, RACGP members can visit the dedicated RACGP webpage.
Source: newsGP, RACGP
