As part of our ongoing Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) advocacy efforts, we are happy to share that significant changes have been announced.

From 1 November 2021, new items are available for eligible allied health practitioners (physiotherapists are eligible for all items) participating in multidisciplinary case conferences with medical practitioners.

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 medical practitioner 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 medical practitioner.

The new items are intended to increase uptake of multidisciplinary case conferences, improve care coordination and support the outcomes that matter most to patients and their families. Under the new items, eligible allied health practitioners may claim reimbursement for participating in multidisciplinary case conferences with time tiers mirroring those currently in place for medical practitioners.

Further information:

• Media release from the Minister for Health and Aged Care
• Full item descriptors and information on the MBS items
• Factsheet from the Department of Health

Have any questions? Email our policy team.