Practice Connect #243

How to streamline the process and ensure your practice meets eligibility

Seeing a GP regularly and formalising the relationship your patients have with their GP and practice through MyMedicare can lead to better health outcomes.

Patients can be registered in multiple ways:

• The MyGov app is the most streamlined approach for patients to register for MyMedicare. Patients with Smart Phone access and capabilities can register using the MyGov app and with auto approve selected there is no administrative tasks required for the practice.
• The MyMedicare form can be used for patients who do not have access to the app. You may consider having these forms pre-populated using your software to assist with streamlining the process. Ensure these forms are saved and stored in line with the legislation for a minimum of seven years.

It is important to ensure that when registering patients at your practice they meet the eligibility and have completed the required documentation. If intending to use online booking platforms for registration, consider if it is appropriate for all patients or just those that meet the eligibility criteria.

The second quarterly Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP) payments may include reassessments. Payments are expected to appear in the bank accounts of registered practices and providers in April.

The second quarterly Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program payments may include reassessments to correct underpayments or overpayments that were not included in the previous payment, such as:

• Late or amended claims.
• A change in a practice’s eligibility.
• Administrative error.

Reassessments allow payments to be updated when new or corrected claims are submitted, ensuring practices and providers receive the correct entitlement over time. Practices and providers can check their payment details through Services Australia’s Health Professional Online Services (HPOS) and will also receive a payment notice in their HPOS email inbox showing any reassessment as a separate line item.

If a practice or GP believes the payment or reassessment is incorrect, they should contact Services Australia on 132 150 (option 2).

Visit the Services Australia website for more information.

While no referral is needed for a person to access Medicare Mental Health, referrals are welcomed from GPs, primary health care professionals, local hospital and health service providers and non-government organisations. Find out more about working alongside Medicare Mental Health services here.

What is the Medicare Mental Health eReferral?

The Medicare Mental Health eReferral provides a secure, electronic way for both GP and non-GP referrers to submit referrals directly into the Medicare Mental Health intake system. It reduces reliance on email or fax referrals and supports more complete, consistent referral information.

Why was it created?

• To simplify the referral process for referrers.
• To reduce incomplete referrals and follow-up.
• To support faster triage and access to services.
• To provide a consistent, standardised referral pathway across regions.
• To close the referral loop, allowing referrers to receive confirmation and track referral status in real time.

How to access?

• GPs can refer using the HealthLink SmartForm within their clinical software.
• As of Monday 13 April 2026, online eReferral webforms for non-GP referrers and services that do not use HealthLink are also available, using region specific links below:
  • Country WA webform
  • Perth North webform
  • Perth South webform

Watch a demonstration video that guides you through the referral process in HealthLink. Unsure of your Primary Health Network? Access the PHN locator.

For more support

For support related to the HealthLink SmartForm, contact 1800 125 036 or HelpdeskHL@healthlink.net

Selecting the right software for your general practice is a crucial decision that affects daily operations, patient care, and compliance with Australian regulations. With technology playing an ever-increasing role in healthcare, making an informed choice ensures your practice runs efficiently, supports your team and delivers high-quality care.

Make sure you understand your practice needs. Start by assessing your practice’s size, patient volume, and the range of services you offer. Involve your team in the selection process, request demonstrations, and trial the software before making a commitment.

Balance upfront and ongoing costs against the value delivered, such as time savings and error reduction. Confirm the software integrates with national systems (like My Health Record) and third-party tools and supports patient engagement features such as portals and telehealth.

See our Software for General Practice Key Considerations fact sheet for further information and a check list to support your decision making.

For further support contact Practice Assist or your Primary Care Navigator on 08 6278 7900 or via email practiceassist@wapha.org.au

With chronic disease rates climbing in Australia, experts suggest a shift toward patient-centred models, ensuring those with complex needs get the support they deserve.

Hear more in our latest Better, Health, Together video with the Grattan Institute’s Health Program Director, Peter Breadon, who urges a radical shift in how primary care is funded to address the nation’s rising rates of chronic disease.

Read more and watch the full interview in our latest Better Health, Together video.

Rural generalist practitioners with training in anaesthesia play vital roles in providing life-saving services to patients in many rural and remote communities across Australia. The 12-month training program is available to rural generalist registrars and fellows seeking formal training and certification in anaesthesia.

For more information view the flyer here.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

The maternal and infant RSV vaccination program has returned for 2026, with the following groups recommended and eligible to be immunised.

1. Abrysvo should be offered to all pregnant women year-round, as funded through the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
2. Beyfortus should be offered to:

• • All infants born to mothers who did not receive Abrysvo during the most recent pregnancy.
  • All medically at-risk newborns regardless of mum’s Abrysvo vaccination status.
  • All Aboriginal or medically at-risk children entering their second RSV season regardless of mum’s Abrysvo vaccination status.
  • Any infant born within 14 days of the mother’s receipt of Abrysvo vaccine.
  • Any infant born to a mother who had a medical condition or treatment during pregnancy that substantially reduced the level of anti-RSV antibodies available for transplacental to be transferred to the newborn.
  • (new recommendation), all infants born between 1 October 2025 and 31 March 2026 irrespective of the mother’s Abrysvo vaccination status, should be offered Beyfortus to boost protection for the winter RSV season.

Additionally, Arexvy is being offered to all adults 65 years and over who reside in a residential aged care home.

Presented by National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance
23 April (10am to 11.30am AWST)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) affects people across the lifespan, with infants and older adults experiencing the highest risk of severe disease and hospitalisation.

New vaccines, prevention products and funded programs are now available in Australia, creating important opportunities to reduce RSV illness and its impact.

In this webinar, experts will discuss:

• Disease burden, with a focus on older adults.
• RSV immunisation products, including data on effectiveness, safety and uptake.
• National, state and territory RSV prevention programs.
• Real‑world case studies and tips for discussing RSV vaccination.
• Practical considerations for implementing RSV immunisation, including co‑administration and approaches to minimising errors.
• A live Q&A with experts.

Register here.