Remuneration for palliative care services

MBS items supporting GP palliative care provision in primary care

There are a number of MBS items which can be used to remunerate general practitioners for their palliative care services for patients within the primary health care setting.

As of November 2023, new MBS Level E consultation items are available covering consultations of 60 minutes or longer. These items will allow for better management of patients with multimorbidity, in need of advance care planning, palliative care and end-of-life care, or where there are communication challenges (e.g., dementia).

MBS items supporting GP palliative care provision in residential aged care

There is clear guidance on the remuneration that general practitioners can obtain for palliative care services undertaken on patients within residential aged care.

As of November 2023, new MBS Level E consultation items are available covering consultations of 60 minutes or longer. These items will allow for better management of patients with multimorbidity, in need of advance care planning, palliative care and end-of-life care, or where there are communication challenges (e.g., dementia).

MBS items supporting nurse practitioner palliative care provision

Nurse practitioners can obtain remuneration for palliative care services for patients within the primary health care setting through the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS).

MBS items for allied health professionals

The Medical Benefits Scheme have several items for funding palliative care activities that are being undertaken in the primary health care setting by allied health professionals.

Remuneration for community pharmacists

There are a number of ways that community pharmacists can be remunerated for undertaking palliative care activities within the primary health care setting.