New MBS Level E Consultation items were established on 1 November 2023 for longer consultations of 60 minutes or more where clinically required, as announced in the 2023-24 Budget. This will allow better management of care of patients with chronic conditions and complex care needs such as, but not limited to, patients with multiple chronic conditions, patients in need of advanced care planning, palliative care and end of life care.
While there are no specific items on the MBS for voluntary assisted dying, existing general attendance items may be used to claim for services delivered by practitioners for end-of-life care and planning, which can include undertaking eligibility assessments and counselling for VAD. NOTE: benefits cannot be claimed for consultations related to VAD administration. The addition of the MBS Level E item may support general practitioners participating in VAD where consultations can take more time.
More info: MBS Online – Introduction of new Level E consultation.
Also- with the new MBS item CareSearch have prepared some updated guidance around MBS items that can be used for palliative care-related services or consults for primary care and residential aged care settings, allied health, nurse practitioners and community pharmacists: Remuneration for Palliative Care Services – Primary Health Care (caresearch.com.au).