For health professionals
Are you a new prescriber?
Learn the ropes of PBS prescribing with PBS and You online learning. It is a self-paced program that teaches you how to prescribe according to PBS requirements. This program supplements existing face-to-face introductory sessions offered by Medicare Australia.
Medicare Teen Dental Plan and Medicare chronic disease dental scheme
On 1 July 2008, the Australian Government introduced the Medicare Teen Dental Plan to help with the cost of an annual preventative dental check for eligible teenagers.
The Medicare chronic disease dental scheme was introduced in November 2007. The scheme allows chronically ill people who are being managed by their GP under an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan access to Medicare rebates for dental services.
- Medicare chronic disease dental scheme
- Medicare chronic disease dental scheme forms for dentists
- Referral forms for GPs – Medicare chronic disease dental scheme are available on the Department of Health and Ageing website or by faxing a request to (02) 6289 7120.
For more information
Call Medicare Australia on 132 150 or visit the Department of Health and Ageing website at www.health.gov.au/dental
Medclaims will close 30 June 2008
The Medicare Australia claiming channel, Medclaims, will close on 30 June 2008. If your medical practice currently uses Medclaims to do business with Medicare Australia you will need to switch to an alternative claiming channel before 30 June 2008.
If your practice switches to electronic Medicare claiming—either the internet-based Medicare Online or the EFTPOS-based Medicare Easyclaim—then you will be eligible for financial assistance through the transitional support package.
Information about claiming options and the practical support we can provide to help you use a new electronic channel are available here on our website.
You can also call our business development officers on 1800 700 199. They will be happy to explain the claiming options and how they fit your practice needs.
New laws on inducements for pathology and diagnostic imaging effective 1 March 2008
There have been changes to the legislation around inducements for pathology and diagnostic imaging referrals. These new laws are effective from 1 March 2008. They apply to any existing arrangements as well as any new arrangements put into place after 1 March 2008.
For more information visit Pathology Services on the Department of Health and Ageing website or call 132 150.
The Department of Health and Ageing has consulted with pathology, diagnostic imaging and medical organisations about the development of regulations. The regulations provide extra detail on some aspects of the legislation.
Further consultation is currently underway. If you have any comments or need more information, please contact the Department of Health and Ageing at legislativeamendments@health.gov.au
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If you are unsure how the changes will affect you, please seek legal advice.
Last updated: 8 July, 2008