Significant Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) changes came into effect from 1 March 2026, with important implications for our member services. These updates aim to improve access, modernise care, and better support patients with complex needs.
What’s Changed?
More flexible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments
Age-based restrictions have been removed from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments. From March, item descriptors focus on preventive health activities and clinically relevant assessments, reflecting a more flexible, person‑centred approach to care across the life course.
New in-person support for patients during specialist video consults
New in‑person patient‑end support items allow GPs and other eligible practitioners to provide face‑to‑face clinical support to a patient during a video consultation with specialists. This is particularly valuable for housebound patients, people in residential aged care, and rural or remote patients who may require physical observations or assistance with technology during a telehealth consultation. These items are available nationally and apply specifically to video consultations.
Expanded disability eligibility under MBS M10
Eligibility has expanded under MBS Group M10 – Complex neurodevelopmental disorder and disability services. Newly included conditions are:
- Stuttering,
- speech sound disorders, and
- cleft lip and/or palate
This means improved access to assessment and allied health services for children and families who were previously excluded.
ECG Item Changes
In another welcome change, ECG MBS restrictions have been lifted, allowing GPs to claim item 11714, reversing changes introduced in 2020. Item 11707 has also been clarified for ECG traces forwarded to specialists for formal reporting.
Additional updates
- Removal of outdated screening tests from time‑tiered health assessments, and
- Clarification of hospital‑only MBS items to support accurate billing.
Member services are encouraged to review the full MBS updates and factsheets to understand how these changes can best support patient care and service delivery.
Any questions or for ongoing support in Optimising Medicare and CQI, please contact compliance@ahmrc.org.au
