Refer to this table for details of the maximum amount payable to a community pharmacy for ACOP activities undertaken from 1 July 2025 in respect of a particular RACH and FTE entitlement.
Aged care
North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) works with residential aged care homes to strengthen access to high quality primary health care for older people.
With over 130 residential aged care homes (RACHs) in our region, we focus on improving how care is coordinated and delivered for residents, while helping aged care staff navigate a complex and changing health system.
How we support residential aged care homes
NWMPHN assists RACHs through a range of targeted programs, resources, grants and capability‑building activities designed to complement day‑to‑day care delivery.
Improving access to multidisciplinary care
We support better connections between RACHs and GPs, allied health professionals and hospitals, so residents receive the right care at the right time. This includes initiatives that strengthen collaboration across disciplines and improve continuity of care.
Mental health and wellbeing support
NWMPHN commissions free, low‑ to medium‑intensity psychological services for people living in residential aged care. These services are delivered by experienced mental health clinicians and support residents experiencing, or at risk of, mild to moderate mental illness such as anxiety, depression, grief or difficulty adjusting to life in aged care.
Our Older Minds Mental Health Program is delivered by:
- APMHA Healthcare, servicing Brimbank, Hobson’s Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moorabool, Wyndham, and Moonee Valley.
- Better Place Australia, servicing Darebin, Hume, Macedon Ranges, Yarra, and Merri-bek.
After‑hours and clinical capability
We support aged care staff to build after‑hours capability and improve clinical confidence. This helps homes respond to residents’ needs outside business hours and reduce avoidable hospital transfers.
Digital health (including telehealth)
NWMPHN provides practical support to help aged care homes use digital systems in everyday practice, including telehealth, My Health Record, and other national digital health services. As aged care reforms continue, we also assist in helping providers prepare for new digital and regulatory requirements.
- Click here to access the Telehealth Training Program, a comprehensive free course for telehealth delivery in RACHs.
- Click here to see a list of digital health resources.
MyMedicare
PHNs support RACHs by enabling effective uptake of MyMedicare and the General Practice in Aged Care Incentive, helping providers better understand overall benefits and registration requirements.
NWMPHN can connect homes with local participating GPs. Contact agedcaresupport@nwmphn.org.au for assistance.
Aged care on-site pharmacist (ACOP) program
The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing provides funding for community pharmacies and residential aged care homes to employ on-site pharmacists. This enables pharmacists to have a regular presence on site, even in smaller homes. Find out all you need to know on this DHDA page.
If your RACH is interested in engaging an on-site pharmacist, or you are a pharmacist looking to participate, fill in this form and we will be in touch.
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Pharmacy payment rates (from 1 July 2025)
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ACOP program or RMMR/QUM services?
The ACOP program and the Residential Medication Management Review (RMMR)/Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) program are two distinct models. Aged care homes may participate in either ACOP or RMMR/QUM services — but not both.
RMMR/QUM services involve visiting pharmacists completing medication reviews at set intervals or when clinically indicated.
ACOP pharmacists are embedded within the aged care home and provide continuous, team-based support.
(Source: Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network | Aged Care On-site Pharmacist (ACOP) program)
*Note: on-site pharmacists cannot bill for RMMRs. Where a RACH has an on-site pharmacist under the ACOP program, RMMR claims by visiting pharmacists are not permitted. However, GPs can still claim the relevant Medicare item for a medication review if the claiming criteria is fulfilled.
Digital health resources
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Important information, guidelines, checklists and templates
Introductions
- My Health Record benefits in aged care settings video
- Guidelines and readiness toolkit for residential aged care homes
Pre-registration requirements
- Security and Access Policy checklist and template
- Assign a Responsible Officer (RO)
Core registration process
- Register RO for a PRODA account
- Register the organisation with the Healthcare Identifiers (HI) Service via PRODA
- Obtain a Healthcare Provider Identifier – Organisation (HPI-O)
- Request a NASH PKI certificate if required
Connection options
- Check if your clinical software is conformant
- HI Service for individual health care providers
- National Provider Portal
- Registering your Organisation for My Health Record: Enrolment options eLearning module
Other
Need assistance?
For aged care support, call (03) 9347 1188 or email agedcaresupport@nwmphn.org.au
