Medicare Reform
Better Access Initiative Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) changes
From 1 November 2025, changes will be made to the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access) initiative.
Published 04 November, 2025
Better Access initiative Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) overview of changes
Consistent with recommendations in the Better Access Evaluation published in 2022, the changes will:
- Â Improve the Better Access initiative to better meet the needs of individuals and improve equity of access to mental health supports and services.
- Support the holistic relationship between a patient and their healthcare provider, leading to improved patient outcomes.
- Reduce the administrative burden and complexity for GPs and PMPs by providing greater flexibility by using time-tiered professional (general) attendance MBS items to review a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), refer a patient for mental health treatment and undertake general mental health consultations.
Key Changes for General Practices from 1 November, 2025
- MHTP preparation, referrals for psychological therapy services or focussed psychological strategies services, and reviews of a patient’s MHTP will be provided by either:
- A GP or Prescribed Medical Practitioner (PMP) at the patient’s MyMedicare registered practice, or
- The patient’s usual medical practitioner, regardless of MyMedicare registration.
- 12 MBS items for MHTP reviews and ongoing mental health consultations will be removed.
- GPs and PMPs will now use time-tiered general attendance items for mental health consultations and MHTP reviews.
- The MyMedicare and usual medical practitioner requirements will also apply to GP and PMP MHTP telehealth items, with these services no longer exempt from the established clinical relationship rule Further information on the GP MBS telehealth (video and phone) established clinical relationship criteria and exemptions will be available from 1 November 2025 in explanatory note AN.1.1 on MBS Online.
- Patients must be linked to their MyMedicare practice or usual medical practitioner to access Medicare benefits under Better Access.
- Referrals for mental health treatment services dated prior to 1 November 2025 remain valid until all treatment services under that referral (within the maximum session limit for the course of treatment) have been provided to the patient.
Resources & Support
A suite of Better Access resources is now available on the Department of Health, Disabilities and Ageing webpage.
Resources include general information on the Better Access initiative and November 1 changes, fact sheets – for patients and health professionals. FAQ’s and templates.
Treatment Services
Treatment services referred to under the Better Access Initiative are for patients who require at least a moderate level of mental health support. Information on other free or low-cost Commonwealth funded mental health treatment services available in the region can be found at Medicare Mental Health
Questions?
Contact MBS
- For specific questions related to the MBS changes email askMBS@health.gov.au
Contact your Primary Care Regional Manager
- If you have any questions or need support navigating MBS, Bulk Billing expansion or BBPIP, please contact your local Regional Manager. View Primary Care Regional Manager contact details.
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