Guidance on MBS items for palliative care-related services

The Department of Health and Aged Care has provided guidance on Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for palliative care-related services.

• New MBS Level E Consultation items were established on 1 November 2023 for longer consultations of 60 minutes or more where clinically required. This allows better management for care of patients with chronic conditions and complex care needs, including patients with multiple chronic conditions, and patients in need of advance care planning, palliative care and end-of-life care.

• While there are no specific items on the MBS for voluntary assisted dying (VAD), existing general attendance items may be used to claim for services delivered by practitioners for end-of-life care and planning, which can include undertaking eligibility assessments and counselling for VAD. Benefits cannot be claimed for consultations related to VAD administration. The addition of the MBS Level E item may support GPs participating in VAD where consultations can take more time.

Find out more at MBS Online – Introduction of new Level E consultation

CareSearch advice on fees

The CareSearch palliative care knowledge network has also prepared guidance around MBS items which can be used for palliative care-related services or consults for primary care and residential aged care settings, allied health, nurse practitioners and community pharmacists.

Find out more at Remuneration for Palliative Care Services