This fact sheet addresses frequently asked questions and compliance considerations to help GPs ensure accurate billing of Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item 23 (a Level B consultation). This is one of the most commonly used item numbers in general practice and is a key item number that features in Medicare compliance issues, with numerous cases involving practitioners repaying inappropriate claims.[1]
Item 23 applies to a professional attendance by a general practitioner for a standard consultation lasting more than 6 minutes but usually less than 20 minutes.
From MBS Schedule: Professional attendance by a general practitioner at consulting rooms (other than a service to which another item in this Schedule applies), lasting at least 6 minutes and less than 20 minutes and including any of the following that are clinically relevant:
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas eu odio in nibh placerat tempor ac vel mauris. Nunc efficitur sapien at nisl semper dapibus. Nullam tempor eros sed dui aliquam lacinia. Nunc feugiat facilisis ex.
Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae; Maecenas mauris nibh, tempus sit amet erat vel, pellentesque maximus ipsum. Suspendisse dui nunc, porta ac ultricies id, sodales eu ante.
Stephen is a GP Supervisor, Medical Educator, GP academic and Medical Director of Medcast. He has completed a PhD on Virtual Communities of Practice in GP Training.
Become a member and get unlimited access to 100s of hours of premium education.
Learn moreEating disorders affect around 1.1 million Australians, with GPs playing a central role in early identification and coordinated care. This guide outlines Medicare pathways, including the EDTMP, Mental Health Treatment Plan and GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, along with eligibility criteria, review requirements, billing items and referral options.
Allied health professionals play a vital role in veteran care. This guide outlines DVA card types, the allied health treatment cycle, exceptions and billing essentials – introducing allied health providers to practical knowledge that enables delivery of compliant veteran-centred care under Department of Veterans' Affairs arrangements.
The General Practice in Aged Care Incentive scheme (GPACI) was designed to improve health outcomes for permanent residents of aged care homes. This FastTrack outlines the core requirements, including patient, GP, and practice eligibility, and how to take advantage of the program while maintaining compliance. 30mins each RP and EA available.