New Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items are now available (as of 1 November 2021) to eligible allied health professionals for participating in multidisciplinary case conferences.
There are a number of resources below which may be of use, including a dedicated fact sheet and a recording of a sector webinar.
Background
The 2021–22 Budget included $13.7 million to create new MBS items from 1 November 2021 for eligible allied health practitioners participating in multidisciplinary case conferences with medical practitioners. The new items are in response to recommendations to the MBS Review and intended to improve care coordination and deliver better outcomes to patients with complex needs who have multiple care providers.
The new items apply to non-admitted patients under the care of an eligible allied health practitioner for:
- Chronic disease management under the care of a GP in either community or residential aged care settings
- Early diagnosis and treatment for children under 13 years with, or suspected of having, a pervasive developmental disorder (including autism) or an eligible disability, under the care of a specialist, consultant physician or GP.
Health Minister’s media release
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, has issued a media release to announce the new items coming online.
Sector webinar
On 7 October 2021, the Department of Health hosted a sector webinar to promote the new items. A recording of the event can be accessed from the Department’s website, alongside the presentation slides which were used and responses to Q&A answered out of session.
Fact sheet
For more information on the new items, their eligibility and how they can be accessed, there is a dedicated fact sheet on the MBS Online webpage. The fact sheet may also be updated periodically to reflect feedback from the sector. The full item descriptors are also now available on the MBS Online website at www.mbsonline.gov.au. You can also subscribe to future MBS updates by visiting MBS Online and clicking ‘Subscribe’.