Changes to the definition of infertility

This page provides providers with an overview of recent changes to the Australian fertility sector’s definition of infertility and how this interacts with the MBS

Page last updated: 20 August 2025

In August 2024 the Australian fertility sector released a consensus statement confirming an updated clinical definition of infertility.

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing relies on the judgement of health practitioners in determining the appropriate care for patients and in upholding the principle of clinical relevance when billing under the MBS.
If a provider determines that delivering ART/IVF services is clinically relevant for their patient, they may bill under MBS items related to that treatment, as long as all elements of the item descriptor/s are met.

Further information is available in the following Factsheet and Information Sheet:

Fact Sheet
PDF and Word versions
Changes to the definition of infertility - MBS factsheetWord Version Factsheet - Changes to the definition of Infertility.docxWord Version Factsheet - Changes to the definition of Infertility.docxPDF Version Factsheet - Changes to the definition of Infertility.pdfPDF Version Factsheet - Changes to the definition of Infertility.pdf
Changes to the definition of infertility - Patient information sheetWord Version Information Sheet - Changes to the definition of Infertility.DOCXWord Version Information Sheet - Changes to the definition of Infertility.DOCXPDF Version Information Sheet - Changes to the definition of Infertility.pdfPDF Version Information Sheet - Changes to the definition of Infertility.pdf

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