MBS indexation from 1 July

On 1 July, all GP MBS Item rebates were increased by 1.6 per cent. This includes all other GP services, such as prolonged assessments, urgent after-hours, health assessments and telehealth. The end to the Medicare rebate freeze on the remaining GP Items was brought forward by one year, as a result of strong AMA advocacy.

While this is positive, it does not make up for the lack of investment in primary care after the years of the Medicare rebate freeze. The AMA is continuing to advocate for further investment in general practice. The AMA is calling for the introduction of an extended Level B consultation, and for additional funding to coordinated care payments, structured in a similar way to the successful Coordinated Veterans’ Care program established by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.