Better Access changes are around the corner. Here's what you need to know.
From 1 November 2025, significant changes to the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners initiative will come into effect.
Medicare benefits will only be payable for Better Access services where the mental health treatment plan, the review of the mental health treatment plan, and the referrals have been undertaken at a patient's MyMedicare registered practice or by their usual medical practitioner.
A patient's usual medical practitioner is someone who has provided the majority of services to the person in the past 12 months or who is likely to provide the majority of services to the person in the following 12 months. This includes other general practitioners and prescribed medical practitioners who are employed at the patient's usual medical practice.
Importantly, patients can choose to see their usual medical practitioner irrespective of their existing MyMedicare registered status. This enables people to structure their physical and mental healthcare requirements according to personal preference, which can involve seeing a different medical practitioner for mental health support due to a wide variety of reasons.
Patients will continue to have discretion to determine their usual medical practitioner for the purposes of their mental health support needs. For example, if a patient is registered with a MyMedicare practice but wishes to see a GP at another practice as they consider them to be their 'usual medical practitioner' for their mental health support needs, there is nothing precluding the patient from doing so because of the changes coming into effect under Better Access from 1 November 2025.
To support members through these changes, the AMA - in partnership with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing - is hosting a webinar designed to equip you with the insights and tools needed to confidently navigate the new landscape.
This webinar is CPD accredited.
Date: Tuesday, 14 October 2025
Time: 7pm-8pm AEDT
