Big Changes Ahead for Australian Clinics
Starting November 1, 2025, the Australian Government will introduce key updates to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) with changes designed to simplify billing, reduce administrative complexity, and align care delivery with modern clinical practice.
These updates directly affect General Practices, billing processes, and chronic disease management workflows. For clinics already navigating compliance and admin fatigue, now is the time to prepare.
The Biggest Shift: Removal of Mental Health Items 2712 and 2713
From November 1, 2025, MBS items 2712 (Mental Health Treatment Plan review) and 2713 (Mental Health consultation) will be removed.
These services will now fall under time-based general attendance items, meaning GPs will bill based on consultation duration rather than the specific mental health item codes.
The goal?
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Simplify billing
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Reduce administrative overlap
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Allow flexibility in how mental health care is delivered
However, this also means practices must adjust their billing software, workflows, and training to avoid claim rejections after October 31, 2025.
What This Means for Your Clinic
While the new approach may streamline billing in the long run, it also brings short-term administrative pressure.
Clinics need to:
- Update MBS billing templates and systems before November 1
- Train staff on correct item usage and documentation
- Communicate changes to clinicians and admin teams
- Audit records to ensure compliance with Medicare and RACGP standards
Failure to update processes could lead to:
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Delayed payments
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Rejected claims
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Increased audit risk
How GP Hero Helps Clinics Transition Smoothly
At GP Hero, we understand how critical accurate billing is to clinic sustainability. Our virtual assistants (VAs) are trained in Australian healthcare workflows, including MBS, CDM, and compliance updates.
Here’s how we help clinics stay ahead:
- MBS change monitoring – We track updates and communicate key shifts to your team.
- Template and system support – We help reconfigure billing templates to align with new time-based attendance items.
- Training and documentation – GP Hero-trained VAs support practice managers in educating staff and updating checklists.
- HIPAA and privacy compliance – Every workflow we manage adheres to both Australian data protection and global privacy standards.
Looking Beyond November: Preparing for 2026
The MBS update is just one part of a wider push for modernisation in Australian healthcare.
From telehealth reform to digital health record integration, the emphasis is shifting toward efficiency, accuracy, and patient-centered care.
By partnering with GP Hero, clinics can confidently manage change without adding pressure to their on-site teams.
Final Thoughts: Stay Compliant, Stay Confident
November’s MBS update isn’t just another administrative change – it’s an opportunity to make your practice’s billing systems smarter and more resilient.
If your team is feeling stretched, GP Hero can help you:
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Update your billing workflows
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Maintain compliance under the new standards
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Keep your clinic stress-free during the transition
Get support before November 1, 2025.
Visit www.gphero.com.au to learn how our trained healthcare VAs can help your clinic stay compliant and efficient.
