Friday, 5 June 2026
Medicare billing compliance updates, New consent rules for bulk billing, Kalbarri clinic closure impacts residents
- 01
DoHDA to Enhance Medicare Billing Compliance Transparency
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DoHDA) plans to improve visibility for doctors regarding claims made under their provider numbers. This initiative aims to combat Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme non-compliance and fraud, projected to save $674.1 million over four years. The measures stem from recommendations in the 2023 Independent Review of Medicare Integrity and Compliance, which advocates for pre-payment checks and real-time claims assessment. DoHDA officials indicated that these changes will help practitioners understand their compliance status and enhance patient access to billing information.
- 02
Changes to Medicare assignment of benefit processes impact GPs
Upcoming changes to Medicare assignment of benefit processes will require GPs to enhance their record-keeping practices, particularly regarding patient consent for bulk billing. Effective 1 July, GPs must store evidence of patient consent for two years post-service for each bulk-billed episode of care. While some existing technology can facilitate these changes, practices using Tyro Health's Easyclaim EFTPOS machines will need to print and physically store consent records, as the machines do not automatically save this information. This shift may increase administrative burdens and affect practice cash flow.
- 03
Kalbarri GP clinic closure leaves 1500 residents without local care
The closure of Kalbarri Doctors Surgery in rural Western Australia, scheduled for 26 June, will leave 1500 residents without a local GP within a 100km radius. The clinic, which operated on a fully bulk-billed model, became financially unviable despite the higher Medicare incentives for rural areas. This marks the second clinic closure in the region, following Northampton's temporary loss of its surgery last July. The Rural Doctors Association of Australia has highlighted the pressures on small, family-owned practices and the need for alternative funding to sustain healthcare access in rural communities.
- 04
Low-dose Zoladex to be removed from PBS in November
AstraZeneca will withdraw low-dose Zoladex from Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and pharmacy shelves starting November 1, 2026. This medication, used for hormone suppression in conditions like prostate cancer and endometriosis, has raised concerns among patients and clinicians regarding treatment continuity. The company cited commercial reasons for the decision, unrelated to safety or efficacy. Patients will still have access to the higher-dose formulation, and AstraZeneca is applying for it to be listed on the PBS.
- 05
Diabetes Linked to Worse Outcomes in Bronchiectasis Patients
A global registry analysis has identified diabetes as an independent predictor of exacerbations, hospitalisation, and mortality in bronchiectasis. The study, which included over 30,000 patients, found that diabetes significantly worsens disease severity and healthcare utilisation, with patients experiencing higher rates of multimorbidity and worse lung function. Notably, those with diabetes had an 80% higher risk of all-cause mortality over five years compared to non-diabetic patients. Researchers advocate for the inclusion of diabetes in risk stratification models and management pathways for bronchiectasis, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to patient care.
- 06
Single-inhaler triple therapy improves COPD symptom control
Dr Kerry Hancock presented a case study demonstrating how single-inhaler triple therapy, specifically Trimbow 100, can enhance symptom control and reduce exacerbation risk in patients with COPD. The therapy combines beclometasone, formoterol, and glycopyrronium, targeting adults with moderate to severe COPD inadequately managed by other treatments. This approach offers practical insights for improving patient outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management. The video case study was funded by Chiesi Australia.
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.