Changes taking effect from 1 November 2017 are:
· Increasing the MBS rebate for selected procedures performed by general practitioners (GPs)
· Removal of administrative block to allow patients to claim MBS rebates for consultations with general practitioners (GPS) during the ‘aftercare’ period
· Blocking claiming of MBS items for subsequent attendances with any items in group T8 (surgical operations) that have an MBS fee of $300 or more
· Changes to gastroenterology services
· Changes to MBS items for obstetrics services
· Changes to ear, nose and throat MBS items 41674, 41789, 41793 and 41801
· Changes to spinal x-ray services
· Changes to bone densitometry services
Changes to colonoscopy services will take effect from 1 March 2018.
Please note all changes are subject to the passage of legislation.
These changes are based on recommendations of the independent MBS Review Taskforce (the Taskforce). Further information about the Taskforce is available on the Department of Health website: http://www.health.gov.au/healthiermedicare
Further details on these changes are available on the Fact Sheets section of this website: http://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/factsheets