Effective claiming of MBS items for Chronic Disease Management

The focus of this session is upon the identification and management of chronic disease, including the engagement of patients, the role of practice nurses and an overview of relevant MBS item numbers, MBS compliance and the importance of reminders to ensure review. This session will also provide an update on recent changes to Medicare.

Managing chronic and terminal medical conditions, including multimorbidities, is increasingly common in primary care. Having the knowledge and skills to use Medicare benefits Schedule (MBS) funding and to work well in teams within and across organisations are increasingly important competencies for health practitioners.

This session will provide participants with a clear understanding of the MBS and expand their knowledge of chronic disease management MBS items such as GP Management Plans, Team Care arrangements and referrals for MBS-rebateable allied health. The session will address Medicare compliance issues and will provide an update on recent changes to Medicare.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the session, participants will be able to: 

• Apply new learnings in respect of MBS in the treatment and/or billing of patients with chronic disease, including maximisation of MBS billing.
• Improve practice efficiencies in respect of the claiming of MBS rebates and associated administrative processes.
• Proactively identify and manage patients with chronic disease and complex care needs, utilising available reminder systems and data to implement a system to capture eligible patients.
• Recognise and enhance the role of general practice nurses in chronic disease management and the delivery of improved patient outcomes.
• Demonstrate an improved understanding of the MBS rules relating to compliance and implement relevant processes to ensure these standards are met.