08 6278 7900
practiceassist@wapha.org.au

Issue 235 – 11 December 2025

Welcome to Practice Connect, a fortnightly update for practice managers, principals, nurses and administration staff on relevant issues, upcoming events and education.

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New eligibility assessments for the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program

New Assessment tools for practices and providers enrolled in the BBPIP have now been released.

  • The Forecast Assessment tool is now available to check eligibility requirements, monitor bulk billing percentages, and estimate practice payments at any point in the quarter.
  • Final Assessments are available to confirm if requirements for BBPIP payments have been met and view the final payment after the end of the quarter. These are accessed through the ‘Search Assessments’ tab within the MyMedicare tile.
  • For instructions on how to access these assessment tool see Services Australia Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program.

BBPIP Payments

If a practice is registered and meets program requirements, its first BBPIP incentive payment will be made in January 2026.

To ensure smooth payment, practices should:

  • Check the registration start date.
  • Provide bank details for the practice and all linked providers for BBPIP.
  • Keep accreditation up to date.
  • Link all providers with separate provider numbers for each site.

For more information on payments and assessment tools, visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Information updates for BBPIP or  Services Australia Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program.

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Summary of the 2025 Medicare changes

2025 has seen many changes and updates to the Medicare Benefit Schedule aimed to streamline processes and revise healthcare protocols for both professionals and patients.  These updates follow the recommendations of the MBS Review Taskforce and the Medical Services Advisory Committee.

MyMedicare

MyMedicare is a voluntary patient registration model that formalises relationships between patients, general practices, GPs and primary care teams.

Learn about eligibility and registration:

Resources for general practice and healthcare providers:

MyMedicare General Practice in Aged Care Incentive (GPACI)

The General Practice in Aged Care Incentive (GPACI) program guidelines provide clear guidance to general practices and primary care providers who voluntarily register in MyMedicare to access the GPACI, including advice on the service requirements, payments and assessments.

There are a range of resources available to assist with implementing the MyMedicare GPACI program in your practice.

MBS Chronic Disease Management Framework

MBS Online published the Upcoming Changes to Chronic Disease Management Framework confirming the new framework for chronic condition management from 1 July 2025. These changes implement the recommendations of the MBS Review Taskforce.

The changes simplify, streamline, and modernise the arrangements for health care professionals and patients.

You can find more information:

Bulk Billing Incentive MBS items

Expansion of the eligibility criteria now means all Medicare-eligible patients are eligible for bulk billing incentives, not just children and concession card holders, effective 1 November 2025.

  • A triple bulk billing incentive can be claimed with face-to-face level B, C, D and E general attendance items, and level B video and phone general attendance.
  • A single bulk billing incentive item can be claimed with other bulk billed unreferred general practice services such as antenatal care, mental health services, chronic condition management and health assessment items.  For more information click here.
  • Click here to download the factsheet.​
  • Information on MBS Online about Bulk Billing Incentives can be found here.

The Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP) starts

Introduced on 1 November 2025, the BBPIP provides an additional quarterly incentive payment of 12.5% of MBS benefits for eligible services. The payment is split 50/50 between the doctor and the practice.

If your practice is considering or has yet to register for the BBPIP the following resources may be helpful.

Changes to Mental Health item numbers under Better Access redesign

Changes introduced on 1 November 2025 to the Better Access Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTP) provide streamlining of referrals, support linkage to a patient’s usual GP or MyMedicare registered practice.

  • Download the Better Access redesign document.
  • The Better Access Mental Health MBS User Guide provides examples of how to use relevant MBS items to meet the requirements of the Better Access Initiative, including links to the MBS items and MBS Online explanatory notes.
  • A Medicare benefit will be payable for MHTP preparation, referrals for treatment services and reviews of a MHTP when a patient is seen by the patient’s usual GP, OR by a GP at the patients MyMedicare registered practice.
  • GP and PMP MHTP review items (2712, 92114, 92126, 277, 92120, and 92132) and GP and PMP ongoing mental health consultation items (2713, 92115, 92127, 279, 92121 and 92133) will be removed from the MBS.
  • Further details can be viewed at MBS Online – Better Access changes from 1 November 2025.

Increased rebates for Long-Acting Reversible Contraception

Changes to the MBS items for Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives come into effect on 1 November 2025, increasing the rebates available.

MBS Telehealth arrangements

Ongoing MBS telehealth arrangements remain in place, providing a wide range of telephone and video services by qualified health practitioners to support safe and equitable access to telehealth services.

  • For most patients’ eligibility for Telehealth services is now either an established clinical relationship where at least one face to face MBS service has occurred within the preceding 12 months OR the patient is registered with the provider and practice for MyMedicare. Some exceptions to these eligibility requirements apply.
  • Further information and factsheets are available here.

Other MBS information

For further information on all of the above changes, plus resources to help you and your practice see the Practice Assist Medicare Changes November 2025 Factsheet, contact Practice Assist or your Primary Care Navigator on 08 6278 7900 or via email practiceassist@wapha.org.au

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Happy Holidays from the Practice Assist Team

Festive wishes from the team at Practice Assist, may we take this time to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe holiday over this period.

Practice Assist Hours

Practice Assist will close for the holiday period from 25 December 2025 and reopen on 5 January 2026. For any enquiries during the shutdown period please contact Practice Assist via email practiceassist@wapha.org.au, and  it will be actioned upon our return.

From 5 January we will be making the following changes to our service:

  • Operating hours will be from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays.
  • Our phone number is changing to 08 6278 7900, with the 1800 number no longer in operation.

We look forward to continuing to support WA general practices in 2026.

Medicare Urgent Care Centre

As some practices may shut down for the festive season or be working with reduced staff resulting in limited appointments, we have included the link to Find a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic Near you for further support.

Clinician Assist WA

The Clinician Assist WA team will be unavailable for user support (including assisting with new user registrations/access) from 2pm Wednesday 24 December reopening Friday 2 January.

Primary Sense

Primary Sense emails will not be monitored from 5pm Wednesday 24 December 2025 until Monday 5 January 2026 at 8.30am. Any enquiries received during this time will be responded to upon our return.

For any other enquiries during the shutdown period please contact Practice Assist via email practiceassist@wapha.org.au, all emails received during this time will be actioned upon our return.

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2026 Practice Assist Year Planner

The Primary Care Navigator team have created a General Practice 2026 Year Planner to remind you of important dates including:

  • PIP and WIP quarters
  • Shared Health Summary Uploads
  • Events and Training
  • Practice Connect newsletter publication dates
  • Other consideration for your practice

The General Practice 2026 Year Planner allows you to customise to your practice needs once printed.

For support with your general practice enquiries, contact Practice Assist or your Primary Care Navigator on 08 6278 7900 or via email practiceassist@wapha.org.au

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Booragoon Medicare UCC launching in 2026

A new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) has been confirmed for Booragoon, opening in early 2026, offering more choice for local residents needing urgent care.

This will expand access to same-day treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries for people who might otherwise go to an emergency department.

The clinic will operate seven days a week, and accept walk-in patients, with all services provided free of charge.

The Booragoon Medicare UCC, operated by Brecken Health, will be located next to the Booragoon Medical Centre at 1 Aldous Place, Booragoon, within the Melville area and close to Bateman. The clinic is scheduled to commence operations in early 2026, following an extensive fit out.

Planning is well underway for five more Medicare UCCs in or near Ellenbrook, Geraldton, Nollamara (Mirrabooka), Mundaring and Yanchep.

As the commissioner of this Australian Government funded service, WA Primary Health Alliance will be encouraging new providers to reach out to their local general practices, hospitals, and other health care providers to build awareness and local care pathways. This will include provision of treatment/referral information to the patient’s regular GP/practice to support continuity of care.

Read more

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Practice Assist Digital Health Tool Kit and webpages updated

The Digital Health Tool Kit on the Practice Assist website has been updated to streamline access to resources to support implementation and adoption of digital health tools to support safer, more efficient and higher quality healthcare.

Subjects included in the tool kit include:

Practice Assist pages and Tool Kits will continue to be reviewed and updated as we receive new information and to ensure you are kept up to date.

Visit the Practice Assist website now for all things related to assisting you with the running of your practice. We welcome your feedback and suggestions via email to practiceassist@wapha.org.au or calling 08 6278 7900.

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Clinic using grant to support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness

A new primary care clinic in Katanning is supporting those experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the area. Through a Homelessness Access Program grant, St Lukes Family Practice has established a safe place for those needing access to primary care services.

The clinics are run by an experienced local team who are passionate about supporting under-served communities and who are skilled at creating a person-centred and welcoming environment. Triaging and referral to support services, wound management, immunisation, health assessments, and counselling are all part of the service.

WA Primary Health Alliance QI coach, Jo Crooks, supported establishment of the service, including setting up a reporting framework of agreed key performance indicators, with the aim of demonstrating the effectiveness of local solutions and placed-based commissioning.

Read more

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National Guidelines for Presentation of Electronic Discharge Summaries

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has released the National Guidelines for Presentation of Electronic Discharge Summaries (the Guidelines).

High-quality and timely discharge summaries are essential for effective clinical handovers during transitions of care. Recognising the critical patient safety risks at hospital discharge, the Guidelines have been revised from the previous 2017 edition to include updated recommendations.

Access the Guidelines

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Updated sick day management principles for adults with diabetes

The latest clinical guide and sick day action plans from the Australian Diabetes Education Association have been designed to support adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes during times of illness.

Learn how to incorporate this clinical guide into your practice to better support people living with diabetes here.

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Beforeplan – Sexually transmissible (STI) campaign

Anyone who’s sexually active can get a Sexually transmissible infection (STI). They are most common in people aged 34 and under and often have no symptoms.

‘Beforeplay’ is a national Australian Government campaign that aims to educate and raise awareness of STI prevention, testing and treatment, and to promote safe sex behaviours.

Sexually transmissible infections (STI) campaign – Stakeholder kit

The campaign reminds people to do the test part, before the best part – encouraging young Australians to get regular STI tests in addition to using protection.

The campaign also reminds people that STI testing is not a big deal, and is much easier than most people might think, aiming to break down stigma around sexual health testing.

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WA joins the Single Employer Model trial for Rural Generalist training in 2026

The WA Rural Generalist Single Employer Model (RG SEM) trial is part of a national initiative aimed at attracting, training and retaining general practice trainees in regional areas.  The model allows trainees to have one consistent employer while they complete hospital and primary care components of their training, allowing them to retain their employment benefits and entitlements.

WA Country Health Service (WACHS), as the single employer, is looking to partner with eligible primary care practices in regions MM 2 – 7.  To be eligible practices must be accredited for GP training and have at least one willing GP supervisor.  Practices can express their interest via the link or contact WACHS.SEM@health.wa.gov.au.   Expressing interest does not commit the practice to participating or guarantee a trainee for placement.

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Caring for patients using alcohol and other drugs during the festive season

The use of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) continue to negatively affect the health and wellbeing of Western Australians, especially during the festive season.

The most recent National Drug Strategy Household Survey revealed one in three Western Australians drank at risky levels and one in five used illicit drugs. These issues often worsen during the festive season, when routines shift, pressures mount, and support can be harder to find.

To support practice teams in caring for patients who use alcohol and other drugs, The RACGP has developed whole of practice resources to facilitate best-practice care and referral.

The Alcohol Intervention clinical pathway is also available on Clinician Assist WA, along with region specific information to assist clinicians with patient assessment, management, and referral pathways relating to alcohol and drugs.

GPs interested in building their AOD related skills can also explore a range of learning opportunities through the RACGP AOD GP Education Program, including online gplearning modules, on-demand webinars and opioid pharmacotherapy training.

For patients seeking support for themselves or a loved one, the Alcohol and Drug Support Service funded by the WA Mental Health Commission  provides free, confidential, 24/7 counselling, information and referrals.

The holiday season can also be stressful for the practice team, and it is important to prioritise self-care during this time. GPs can access confidential mental health support through drs4drs and Medicare Mental Health offers simple tips for everyone at your practice to maintain their wellbeingand access to support if needed.

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Keep safe this holiday period

The holiday period can bring with it a heightened state of emotion and potential increased risks for patients and practice staff. It’s important that you move into the holiday period ensuring you stay vigilant which will help you to keep your family and patients safe this holiday season.

Here are 6 essential links that will help you to move into the holiday period better prepared:

  1. Road Travel – look before you leave – Check to make sure roads are open and be aware of traffic hazards ahead of leaving.
  2. Emergency WA – Save this site on your computer or download the app on your phone to always be aware of new and emerging concerns in your area.
  3. Australian Warning System – Learn about the Australian warning system so you know when to prepare, stay or go during emergencies.
  4. Heatwaves  and Be prepared for extreme heat – Learn about the risk of heat to yourself and family from the Department of Health.
  5. Bushfires and Bushfire plan – Learn about bushfires and complete a bushfire plan using the quick and simple templates available through Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
  6. Cyclones and Storms – Read about cyclones and storms and learn about how you can prevent, prepare, respond and recover from cyclones and storms.

Who is at risk?

  • Patients with asthma or respiratory illnesses.
  • Children, older people, pregnant women, people experiencing homelessness and those living with a disability.
  • Patients living with chronic conditions and/or on multiple medications.
  • Patients that are unable to respond due to dementia, disability, or other factors.
  • Those impacted by environmental factors e.g., outdoor workers.
  • Aboriginal population living in remote areas.

How can general practice assist?

Encourage patients at most risk to prepare and plan:

  • Encourage the use of reliable and up to date emergency information (Emergency WA).
  • Have sufficient medications on hand leading into the holiday period,
  • Review care plans for patients with asthma or respiratory conditions.
  • Recommend that patients are utilising digital health tools such as  My Health Record, which can assist patient care during emergency situations.

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Supporting women and children affected by Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence

Violence against women and children is a problem of epidemic proportions in Australia and research shows during high-stress periods such as Christmas and other holiday shutdowns, the risk of family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV) may increase.

General practice teams can provide a trusted and safe environment for their patients to disclose experiences of FDSV and for practice staff to connect them to vital specialist services.

The Family and Domestic Violence pathway on Clinician Assist outlines information on assessment and management of FDSV victim survivors and their families.   Updated pathways on sexual assault were published in November 2025.

If it is not an emergency, a comprehensive list of state and national support services are available on the State Government’s Family and Domestic Violence Help and Advice page. This includes 24-hour support lines, legal and support services for Aboriginal patients’, services for children and young people and services for people from multicultural backgrounds.

If you are assisting someone who does not speak English, first call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 14 50. They can connect you with the service of your choice and interpret for you.

The Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing has developed a family and domestic violence service directory including crisis accommodation, counselling, places to go for help (including one stop hubs) and outreach services. The Directory also provides information about services led by Aboriginal or CaLD organisations

See the WA Police website for more information on how to report domestic and family violence to the police.

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Consideration of dTpa vaccine rather than dT vaccine for tetanus prone wounds for increasing pertussis protection

The Australian Immunisation Handbook (AIH) recommends adolescents and adults with tetanus-prone wounds receive a booster dose of either dT (diphtheria, tetanus) or dTpa (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine.

Given the increased cases of pertussis and waning immunity, providers are encouraged to administer a dTpa vaccine rather than dT vaccine to all patients with a tetanus prone wound, to provide additional protection against pertussis. This is especially important if they have not previously received a dose of dTpa in the past 5 years.

Pregnant women are recommended to receive this booster dose as dTpa to also protect against pertussis.

It is more important than ever that you check your patient’s Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) record to see if the person is eligible for a pertussis-containing vaccine.

Please note that no changes have been made to Doctors Bag ordering, so a tetanus with pertussis booster will need to be privately paid for by the recipient.

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Updated HPV FAQs for providers and communities

The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS has refreshed its HPV frequently asked questions (FAQs) resource to support healthcare providers and the public to address common questions and concerns about HPV vaccination.

NCIRS recently ran a webinar titled ‘Protecting adolescents through immunisation: insights, drivers and opportunities for action’- Recording is available here.

The HPV vaccine is available free under the National Immunisation Program for individuals aged 9–25 years and is routinely administered through school-based programs for adolescents aged 12–13 years.

If students miss their vaccine at school, they are eligible to receive government funded catch-up vaccines from their community immunisation clinic or participating GPs, pharmacists, Aboriginal Medical Services (the vaccine is free, however some organisations may charge a service fee). Refer to catch-up vaccination on the Australian Immunisation Handbook (external site) for more information.

The FAQs also include revised information on HPV prevalence, adverse events and vaccine effectiveness.

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Australian health leaders reaffirm vaccine safety

The Head of the Therapeutic Goods Administration and Australia’s Chief Medical Officer this week reaffirmed that vaccines are safe, effective and backed by decades of independent scientific evidence.

In a joint statement, the leaders emphasise that childhood vaccines have prevented 154 million deaths globally over the past 50 years and stress that vaccines do not cause autism, citing large-scale studies.

The statement also points to the critical importance of Australia’s rigorous vaccine assessment and ongoing monitoring processes for identifying safety signals and maintaining the high vaccine safety standards in Australia.

Read more about vaccine safety on the NCIRS website and AusVaxSafety.

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WA Immunisation Schedule changes webinar recording now available

The Communicable Disease Control Directorate (CDCD) Immunisation Program hosted a webinar covering important changes to the WA Immunisation Schedule. The session focused on updates related to pneumococcal and RSV vaccines. The rationale behind the changes and implications for immunisation providers were explained.

Speakers:

  • Professor Paul Effler, Senior Medical Advisor, CDCD
  • Professor Chris Blyth, Paediatric Infectious diseases Physician and Clinical Microbiologist, The Kids Research Institute Australia

Access the recording here.

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Nurse Forum 2026 – Primary Care Nurses Day Celebration

Presented by WA Primary Health Alliance
4 February (5:30pm – 8pm)

WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) invites you to attend the Nurse Forum 2026 – Primary Care Nurses Day Celebration.

With the theme of Sustaining Primary Care Nursing: Wellbeing in Practice, the forum aims to provide a dedicated and supportive space for practice nurses from across our region to connect, reflect and strengthen their role within primary care.

To find out more, view the flyer and register today.

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APNA Mental Health First Aid

Presented by APNA and supported by WA Primary Health Alliance
3 March to 12 March (various locations)
Mental health matters. One in five Australians experience mental health concerns each year, and primary health care nurses are often the first point of support.

Join APNA’s Mental Health Education Program—designed for nurses, by nurses—to build the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a real difference.

  • Expert-led sessions by APNA nurse & licensed MHFA instructor
  • Practical strategies for early intervention

Format: approx. 7 hours of online learning (to be done first) + hard-copy workbook posted to you + 5hr face-to-face workshop

Locations: South Metro Perth, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton, Broome, North Metro Perth, Bunbury

Places are limited – view the flyer for more information.

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Free accredited training in disaster preparedness for general practice

Presented by WA Primary Health Alliance
Ongoing e-learning training

Western Australia faces recurring bush fires, floods and other natural disasters, and GPs are the local health professionals working in the community before disasters strike and remain after responders leave.

Provided at no cost to the practice, “Building capacity in disaster preparedness and response for general practice”  is a bespoke, accredited* online learning package from WAPHA designed to equip GPs, and practice teams to manage patient flow, prioritise resources, and maintain continuity of care, particularly for those with chronic conditions and mental health needs.

Taking approximately 12 hours to complete (at your own pace), with modules tailored to specific roles within the practice team, participants will learn:

  • Practical strategies for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in primary care
  • Maintaining continuity of care and managing patient demand during crises
  • Resource prioritisation and supporting priority populations
  • Coordinating with local health districts, emergency services and public health agencies
  • Building practice resilience, safety systems and structured disaster management processes.

Find out more and register

*RACGP Accredited for 11.5 hours (6 EA, 3 RP and 2.5 MO).

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Nurse Re-entry Program – Supporting Nurses and Practices

The Nurse Re-entry Program is an Australian Government initiative supporting general practices to build their capability by hosting nurses in supervised placements. The program helps nurses who haven’t practised in the last 5-10 years to return to the workforce through paid, supervised placements in general practice. The program also supports nurse practitioners transitioning into general practice.

Eligible nurses are matched with accredited general practices to complete their placement, meet NMBA requirements and regain full registration.

This program also benefits practices by strengthening their teams, training nurses in-house and creating efficiencies. Eligible practices may receive a grant to support participation and there is no obligation to employ the nurse permanently after the placement is complete.

They coordinate the matching process, confirm supervision requirements and provide resources to guide you.

Expressions of interest are now open. Nurses can submit an EOI to return to practise and practices can submit an EOI to host a placement.

For more information, contact the Nurse Re-entry Program team via email.

Other Webinars, Events & Workshops

STI Testing in Primary Care: Western Australia
Presented by ASHM
Ongoing learning module and webinar
Enhancing Syphilis Awareness: Engaging Communities and Health care Providers
Presented by ASHM
Ongoing learning module and webinar
BreastScreen WA mobile visit to Esperance
Presented by BreastScreen WA
5 December to 18 March
Standard One of the National Palliative Care Standards
Presented by Palliative Care Australia
18 December
BreastScreen WA mobile visit to Nannup
Presented by BreastScreen WA
6 January to 13 January
BreastScreen WA mobile visit to Tom Price
Presented by BreastScreen WA
7 January to 12 January
BreastScreen WA mobile visit to Paraburdoo
Presented by BreastScreen WA
13 January to 15 January
BreastScreen WA mobile visit to Narrogin
Presented by BreastScreen WA
15 January to 29 January
National Hepatitis B s100 Prescriber Course
Presented by ASHM
3 February and 10 February
WA HIV s100 Prescriber Course 
Presented by ASHM
7 February and 8 February
Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive Health: In-person nurses’ course
Presented by SHQ
16 to 19 February
Contraceptive Implant Theory: In-person training
Presented by SHQ
16 February
Cervical Screening Training: In-person 
Presented by SHQ
18 to 19 February
De-escalation Skills
Presented by Western Australian Association for Mental Health
24 February, 9 April and 29 June
Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia National Certificate for Doctors: In-person
Presented by SHQ
9 to 13 March
Understanding Vicarious Trauma: Tools for helping professionals
Presented by Western Australian Association for Mental Health
11 March and 8 May
WA Rural Health Conference 2026
Presented by Rural Health West
14 March and 15 March
Course in Ear Wax Removal (Microsuction) 
Presented by Benchmarque Group
26 March
Course in Ear Wax Removal (Irrigation) 
Presented by Benchmarque Group
27 March
National Hepatitis B s100 Prescriber Forum
Presented by ASHM
27 March

Acknowledgement 
WA Primary Health Alliance acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Owners and Elders of this country and recognises the significant importance of their cultural heritage, values and beliefs and how these contribute to the positive health and wellbeing of the whole community.