Key Medicare Changes for General Practice Begin from 1 July
30 Jun 2026
Key Medicare Changes for General Practice Begin from 1 July
Source: newsGP
One of the main changes is a 2.6% indexation increase for most general medical services, diagnostic imaging and pathology items. However, the RACGP says the increase does not keep pace with rising healthcare costs and inflation, raising concerns about the financial sustainability of general practice.
Changes to the assignment of benefit process have also been updated following feedback from the RACGP. Verbal consent will continue to be accepted in all settings until 1 July 2027, and ongoing assignment of benefit arrangements will be available for MyMedicare-registered patients, residents of aged care facilities and patients accessing services at Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations.
From 1 July, two new Medicare items will support home-based sleep studies for children and adolescents aged 3–18 years who require assessment for sleep-disordered breathing. Referrals must be made by a medical practitioner to a qualified paediatric sleep medicine specialist.
A new Medicare item has also been introduced for colonoscopy following a positive faecal occult blood test (FOBT) completed as part of bowel cancer screening in people without symptoms. The change aims to improve clarity and strengthen links with the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
Another important change is the expansion of the Share by Default initiative. Pathology and diagnostic imaging results will now automatically be uploaded to My Health Record, allowing patients to access their results online as soon as they become available.
The RACGP supports improved sharing of health information but says practices should have clear follow-up processes, as some patients may misinterpret results, delay recommended appointments or require longer consultations to discuss their findings.
Key Medicare Changes for General Practice Begin from 1 July
Source: newsGP