Medicare Benefits Schedule
The Practice Facilitation team supports primary health care practitioners and clinics to understand their obligations under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).
The MBS is a publication released by the Federal Department of Health listing all Medicare services subsidised by the Australian Government. The schedule is part of the Medicare Benefits Scheme which is managed by the Department of Health and administered by the Department of Human Services.
MBS Online
MBS information is regularly updated and the latest version is available for download from the government’s MBS Online website
The MBS Online Checker is also available to see if a specific MBS item has been claimed for your patient within a certain period of time.
AskMBS Email Advice Service for Providers
AskMBS responds to enquiries from providers of services listed on the MBS seeking advice on interpretation of MBS items, explanatory notes and associated legislation.
For any queries required to support general practice compliance for MBS, this service will provide written detail of the explanation or response.
If seeking advice in relation to Medicare billing, claiming, payments or obtaining a provider number, please contact Services Australia on the Provider Enquiry Line - 13 21 50. If the query is relating only to interpreting of the Schedule, practices should email askmbs@health.gov.au.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information
Temporary MBS telehealth and telephone items are available to support the response to Coronavirus (COVID-19). These items have been extended until 31 December 2021.
Fact sheets with further information on these items can be found at the MBS temporary telehealth services page.
A factsheet is also available with further information on the additional 10 MBS Mental Health Sessions page.
Additional information from Medicare Australia:
- online learning packages for new health professionals.
- An overview of the MBS primary care items.
- Medicare requirement for billing the treatment and removal of skin lesions.
- Advanced, case-based eLearning for general practitioners when providing GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements.
- Quick reference guides on specific areas.
- Department of Human Services - Medicare for Health Professionals