Saturday, 27 June 2026
Benefits changes delay for GPs, MND classified as notifiable disease, Concerns over pharmacist prescribing
- 01
Department of Health delays assignment of benefits changes for GPs
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing announced a delay in the implementation of assignment of benefits changes, originally set for 1 July. This decision allows GPs to continue using verbal consent for bulk billing, alleviating administrative burdens, particularly for those serving vulnerable populations. The announcement follows significant backlash from the medical community regarding the potential impact on patient care and practice operations. The delay has been met with relief from GPs, while also raising concerns about the lack of preparation and communication from the Department.
- 02
NSW classifies MND as a notifiable disease
New South Wales has become the first state to classify motor neurone disease (MND) as a notifiable condition, following an announcement by Health Minister Ryan Park. This decision will establish a dedicated MND registry, requiring clinicians, hospitals, and laboratories to report all diagnoses to NSW Health. The registry aims to systematically track diagnoses, locations, and occupations, enhancing understanding of MND's causes and patterns. Experts believe this initiative will significantly improve research and public health efforts related to MND, which is a rare and fatal condition affecting many Australians.
- 03
Rural GP College Warns Against Expanded Pharmacist Prescribing
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) has expressed concerns about the Pharmacy Board of Australia's proposal to expand pharmacist-led prescribing, particularly for rural and remote patients. ACRRM president Dr Rod Martin highlighted that such changes could fragment care and increase clinical risks, as pharmacists may lack the comprehensive clinical training necessary for managing complex health conditions. The college warned that this could lead to poorer health outcomes for rural patients, who already face significant health challenges. ACRRM's position aligns with other health organisations opposing the endorsement, citing potential conflicts of interest and risks of medication dependence and antimicrobial resistance.
- 04
Key Changes to MBS and Bulk Billing Effective 1 July 2026
On 1 July 2026, significant changes will take effect in general practice, including MBS indexation and new bulk billing consent processes. Digital assignment of benefit provisions will allow patients to consent to bulk billing via payment terminals, while enduring assignment of benefit will be introduced for specific patient groups. Pathologists and radiologists will be required to upload results to My Health Record by default, enhancing access for GPs and patients. Additionally, MBS rebates for GP consultations will increase by 2.6%, although this remains below the CPI increase.
- 05
Concerns Raised Over Non-GP Specialist Fee Transparency Bill
The Health Legislation Amendment (Improving Choice and Transparency for Private Health Consumers) Bill 2026, currently before the House of Representatives, aims to enhance fee transparency for non-GP specialists. Avant warns that the bill could introduce 'perverse incentives' and undermine GP expertise by potentially publishing GP fees alongside specialist data. Concerns centre on the risk of misrepresenting quality indicators, which could discourage specialists from treating complex patients. Avant's analysis suggests that rather than ranking specialists, a simple indicator of participation in quality improvement programs would be more beneficial.
- 06
Aidoc receives FDA breakthrough designation for AI chest X-ray analysis
Aidoc has secured the FDA's breakthrough device designation for its artificial intelligence feature, First Read, which analyses chest X-rays and generates preliminary reports on over 100 findings. This system aims to reduce the reporting and interpretation time for radiologists, although each report must still be signed by a radiologist. The breakthrough designation facilitates expedited review and feedback from the FDA for devices that offer significant improvements in treatment or diagnosis. Aidoc's technology is already in use at more than 2,000 hospitals globally.
via MedTech Dive
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.