MBS REVIEW – CHANGES TO MEDICARE PRIMARY CARE ITEMS
On 14 December 2009, the Hon Nicola Roxon MP announced the outcomes of the review of Medicare primary care items. The aim of the review was to reduce red tape by simplifying the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and encourage prevention activities to improve the health of all Australians.
Reforms to the MBS were implemented on 1 May 2010 and have reduced the number of items in the relevant parts of the schedule from 85 to 33 – a total reduction of 52 items. The explanatory notes relating to primary care items have been made clearer and support GPs providing preventive health care activities.
For fact sheets providing detailed information about the changes to Medicare primary care items, please visit www.health.gov.au/mbsprimarycareitems