Upcoming changes MBS: Chronic Disease Management Arrangements

The Department of Health and Aged Care has announced upcoming changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) for chronic disease management.

From Friday 1 November 2024, MBS items will be changing to.

• Replace the current GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangements with a single GP Chronic Condition Management Plan
• Support continuity of care by requiring patients enrolled in MyMedicare to access management plans through the practice where they are enrolled. Patients who aren’t enrolled will be able to access management plans through their usual GP
• Encourage management plan reviews by:
  • equalising the fees for developing and reviewing plans
  • requiring patients to have their plan established or reviewed in the last 18 months so they can retain access to allied health and other services
• Formalise referral processes for allied health services so they are more consistent with other referral arrangements
• Ensure patients do not lose access to their current services through transition arrangements for existing patients with GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements.

Current details about the changes to MBS chronic disease management arrangements are available on the Department of Health and Aged Care webpage with more information to be released in time.
 

What does it mean for providers

The changes aim to simplify, streamline, and modernise the arrangements for health professionals. 

Key changes include: 

• Removal of multiple plans 

• Collaboration with members of the patient’s multidisciplinary team will no longer be required in the development of the plan 

• Use of referral letters will support the provision of relevant clinical information to allied health professionals 

• Practice nurses, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners and Aboriginal health workers can assist with the preparation and review of GP chronic condition management plans.

 

How can general practices prepare for the change?

Ahead of the changes, there are some practical steps you can take to ready your practice. Prior to 1 November, practices are encouraged 

• To register your practice for MyMedicare and link your participating providers to your Organisation Site Record (if you have not done so already) and,
• register your patients with chronic conditions or existing care plans in MyMedicare  

Further details can be found (attached and Upcoming changes to MBS Chronic Disease Management Arrangements | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care)

If you have any questions or need further information. Please do not hesitate to contact our Practice Support Team via practicesupport@adelaidephn.com.au or phone 8219 5900. 

Links & resources

• Further details can be found here:

05 September 2024