MyMedicare – Insights for General Practices

On October 1, 2023, a significant shift will take place in general practice, with the introduction of the voluntary patient enrolment model known as MyMedicare. This transformative change will have an impact on how general practices, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and Aboriginal Medical Services operate and interact with their patients. Practice managers are at the forefront of implementing this new system, and understanding its key aspects is essential for a smooth transition. 

• Opt-In System: MyMedicare introduces a patient-centric approach, allowing individuals to voluntarily register with the general practice of their choice. Unlike the previous system, patients can now choose their preferred healthcare provider, enhancing patient autonomy. Practice managers must ensure that their practice is well-equipped to handle this influx of voluntary enrolments. 
• Improved Data Integration: One of the key advantages of MyMedicare is its emphasis on data integration and sharing. It is important to ensure health data is coded and accurate both for sharing and to enable you to identify patients most at risk. This will improve continuity of care and efficiency of care coordination. 
• Privacy and Security: With greater data sharing comes heightened responsibilities for patient privacy and security. Practice managers must prioritise compliance with stringent data protection regulations and implement measures to safeguard patient information. 
• Patient-Centered Care: General practices will need to shift their focus to a patient-centered care model. Practice managers should foster a culture that values patient feedback and actively seeks ways to improve the patient experience. 
• Billing and Reimbursement: The billing process may undergo changes with MyMedicare. Practice managers should stay informed about any updates to billing codes and reimbursement procedures to ensure the financial stability of their practices. 

General practices that register will benefit by having access to: 

• More information about regular patients, making it easier to tailor services to fit the patient’s needs 
• New longer telephone items linked to MyMedicare 
• The General Practice in Aged Care Incentive from 1 August 2024, which will support regular health assessments, care plans and regular GP visits for people in residential aged care homes 
• New blended funding payments to support better care in the community for people with complex, chronic disease who frequently attend hospitals, that will roll out progressively across the country over three years from FY2024–25 
• Chronic Disease Management items linked to a patient’s registration in MyMedicare from November 2024, to support continuity of care for people with chronic and complex conditions. 

NB: Patients who are not registered in MyMedicare will still be able to receive Chronic Disease Management items from their usual GP. 
 

Patients will benefit from registering by:

• Accessing greater continuity of care 
• Longer MBS-funded telephone calls 
• The triple bulk billing incentive for longer MBS telehealth consultations (Levels C, D and E) for children under 16, pensioners, and concession card holders

The introduction of the MyMedicare voluntary patient enrolment model on October 1, 2023, signifies a fundamental change in how general practices operate. Practice managers play a pivotal role in facilitating this transition, which revolves around patient choice, data integration, privacy, and patient-centered care. By proactively addressing these aspects, practice managers can ensure a successful and seamless adaptation to the new healthcare landscape, ultimately benefiting both their practices and the patients they serve. 

More information:

The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care’s MyMedicare webpage includes the following information: 

• About MyMedicare 
• Why it is important 
• Eligibility– general practices and healthcare providers 
• How to register– general practices and patients 
• MyMedicare FAQ

Setting up in the Organisation Register:

Download link here.

To stay up to date:

Subscribe to the MyMedicare newsletter.

Resources to support your patients:

MyMedicare GP Toolkit, an information kit to help you engage with your patients about MyMedicare and answer questions they may have.

MyMedicare Patient Information Frequently Asked Questions.