North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) has released a new resource to support general practices implement the changes to the Better Access initiative from 1 November 2025.
The Better Access Mental Health MBS User Guide is available here.
The purpose of this resource is to support general practices to effectively use dedicated Better Access Mental Health MBS items and time-tiered professional (general) attendance MBS items to deliver comprehensive, planned care for patients.
Dedicated Better Access items remain in place to support mental health care, with these items being used to create new mental health treatment plans (MHTP); deliver focused psychological strategies including family carer participation services (where GPs and prescribed medical practitioners are recognised by the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration); and enable GPs and PMPs to participate in mental health case conferencing.
Through the general attendance MBS items, MBS benefits will continue to be available for the review of MHTPs, referral for mental health treatment services and ongoing support for people with an assessed mental disorder.
The Better Access Mental Health MBS User Guide provides examples of how to use relevant MBS items to meet the requirements of the Better Access Initiative, including links to the MBS items and MBS Online explanatory notes.
For support on MyMedicare, GP chronic conditions management, and quality improvement activities, please contact primarycare@nwmphn.org.au
