Review of MBS time-tiered items for primary care

Learn about how the Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) Review Advisory Committee (MRAC) is reviewing MBS time-tiered items for primary care.

About the review

The MRAC is conducting a review of MBS time-tiered items for primary care.

The review will consider issues such as item consistency, opportunities to streamline, and whether the current time-tiers appropriately support contemporary clinical practice.

A working group has been established to lead this review and will report back to the full committee on its findings. Recommendations or advice from this review will be finalised and provided to Government at the end of 2025.

Who we work with

The Time-Tiered working group (TTWG) members lead this review and report back to the full committee on its findings.

Time-Tiered Working Group (TTWG) members

MemberArea of specialty or expertise
Professor Adam Elshaug (Chair)Health Service and Systems Research
Dr Jason AgostinoGeneral Practitioner/Epidemiology and Indigenous Health
Adjunct Associate Professor Chris HelmsNurse Practitioner
Ms Alison MarcusConsumer
Associate Professor Elizabeth MarlesGeneral Practice/Indigenous Health and Health Policy
Dr Sue MaselRural General Practice
Professor Rosalie VineyHealth Economist
Dr Clare SkinnerEmergency Medicine
Departmental Medical Adviser 
Associate Professor Andrew SingerPrincipal Medical Adviser, Department of Health

Why the review is important

The time-tiered general practice items are the foundation of primary care in the MBS. Together, these items make up approximately a third of all MBS services delivered.  The review will consider issues such as consistency across MBS items and whether the number of items could be streamlined. It will also consider whether the current time-tiers appropriately support contemporary clinical practice. 

Status

The Time-Tiered working group has met on two occasions, with a further meeting scheduled for early December 2024. 

Consultation on a Findings Report is expected to commence in 2025.

Activities to date

DateActivity
September – November 2024The working group has met on two occasions, with a further meeting scheduled for December 2024.
20 August 2024 The MRAC endorsed the commencement of the review and establishment of a working group

Contact

MBS Continuous Review contact

Contact us with questions about the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Continuous Review.
Date last updated:

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