August 10 2023
My Medicare: a new voluntary patient registration model
My Medicare aims to strengthen the relationship between patients, their general practice, general practitioner and primary care teams.
GP Bulk Billing and MyMedicare on the rise - General Practice Aged Care Incentive (GPACI)
Data in this week shows that general practice bulk billing, along with MyMedicare participation for practices and Australians are on the rise.
General Practice bulk billing rates have increased nationally by 3.4% over the last 7 months since triple bulk billing changes came into effect on 1 November 2023. This amounts to two million additional bulk billed visits for Australians.
It’s a timely reminder for practices to continue to register for MyMedicare, which allows patients and practices to benefit from the triple bulk billing incentive for longer MBS telehealth consultations (Levels C, D and E) for children under 16, pensioners, and concession card holders.
As of June 2024, over 6000 practices along with over 1.2 million patients have registered for MyMedicare, up from around 1.0 million patients and 5,800 practices in April 2024.
From 1 July, the new General Practice in Aged Care Incentive commenced, providing incentive payments to practices and general practitioners for delivering regular visits and care planning to older people living in residential aged care. This is the first incentive that requires MyMedicare registration and is voluntary for both consumers and general practices. MyMedicare is a new voluntary patient registration model. It aims to formalise the relationship between patients, their general practice, general practitioner (GP) and primary care teams.
What is The General Practice in Aged Care Incentive?
The General Practice in Aged Care Incentive promotes continuous, quality care. Developed in response to the:
From 1 July 2024, eligible general practitioners (GPs) and practices registered with both MyMedicare and General Practice in Aged Care Incentive will be able to receive incentive payments. These incentive payments are for providing regular visits and care planning to older people living in aged care.
More information is available at the following sites:
- General Practice in Aged Care Incentive | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- General Practice in Aged Care Incentive - Health professionals - Services Australia
If you require additional support, or have any questions, please contact your Primary Care Improvement Officer or email practicesupport@thephn.com.au
References:
1. Over 2 million additional bulk billed GP visits and $414 million saved on medicines | Health Portfolio Ministers | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
2. Information for MyMedicare general practices and healthcare providers | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
3. Australia's health 2024: data insights: The ongoing challenge of chronic conditions in Australia - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (aihw.gov.au)
4. General Practice in Aged Care Incentive | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
5. MyMedicare | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
