New information on changes to Chronic Conditions Management Items was released on 23 August 2024.
Subject to the passage of legislation, from 1 November 2024, there will be a revised structure for items for chronic disease management.Proud Wiradjuri woman and Warren local, Shaana Daley, is providing much-needed culturally safe and informed mental health support to her community’s youth thanks to a trainee program aimed at improving access to Aboriginal mental health support in Western NSW.
On Friday 16 August 2024 at the Adult Mental Health Centre in Parramatta, the locations of four additional Medicare Mental Health Centres for NSW were announced. Medicare Mental Health Centres provide free, walk-in support for people struggling or in mental distress, and ongoing care for more complex mental health needs.
The Department of Health and Aged Care has announced major changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for chronic disease management from 1 November 2024.
The changes recommended by the MBS Review Taskforce, are ˜the first major change to the framework in almost 20 years’.
Data in this week shows that general practice bulk billing, along with MyMedicare participation for practices and Australians are on the rise.
General Practice bulk billing rates have increased nationally by 3.4% over the last 7 months since triple bulk billing changes came into effect on 1 November 2023. This amounts to two million additional bulk billed visits for Australians.
Meet Amanda, a 37-year-old woman who has faced significant challenges. Living with anxiety, PTSD, and legal blindness, Amanda has encountered obstacles that many of us might find daunting. Yet Amanda’s story is one of resilience and courage, thanks to the support and resources she has embraced along the way.
Managing Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP) participation is now easier with Services Australia’s eligibility assessments.
The way Bathurst residents’ access after‑hours medical care is changing. The Bathurst After Hours GP Service will close on 31 March 2026, as the community transitions to the new Bathurst Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC).
If your practice is registered and meets Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP) requirements, you will receive your first incentive payment in January 2026.
The Western NSW Primary Health Network is running a summer campaign to promote the Medicare Mental Health phone line service and our walk in services in Bathurst and Dubbo. The Medicare Mental Health Phone Service offers a free and confidential first step for advice, guidance, and connection to local services.
The Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) has released its 2024–25 Annual Report, highlighting continued progress in strengthening primary health care across Western and Far West NSW. The report outlines WNSW PHN’s work to improve equity of access, health system sustainability, and health outcomes for communities in our region.
The doors to the new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) in Bathurst – a completely free service – have opened recently, just in time for Christmas.
The Bathurst Medicare UCC provides timely, fully bulk-billed urgent care for non-life-threatening conditions that need prompt attention but do not require a visit to the hospital emergency department.
The PHN Cooperative today welcomed the findings and recommendations of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Review of the PHN Business Model and Mental Health Flexible Funding Stream, conducted by Boston Consulting Group.
The Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSWPHN) is developing two separate needs assessments: one for multicultural communities in the Western NSW region, and another for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in the region. Your expertise and experience are vital for understanding current service provision, identifying gaps, and informing the planning of future health services.
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