Comply with MBS telehealth item rules + continuous-care rules
MBS telehealth requires existing-patient relationship (12-month rule) for most consultations.
Who must comply
GPs + specialists claiming MBS telehealth items.
What triggers it
Providing a telehealth consultation.
When due
Per consultation; recordkeeping.
Evidence required
Patient records demonstrating prior face-to-face contact; consultation notes.
Max penalty
Recovery of incorrect claims; Practitioner Review Program referral
Summary
Medicare Benefits Schedule telehealth items require an established clinician–patient relationship (typically a face-to-face consultation in the prior 12 months). Limited exceptions for some specialties + populations. Non-compliant claims attract recovery.
Source legislation
Industries
Topics
Related obligations
- CWLTHMaintain AHPRA registration and CPDRegistered health practitioners must hold current registration and meet annual CPD per their National Board standards.
- CWLTHMake mandatory notifications to AHPRAPractitioners, employers and education providers must notify AHPRA of conduct that puts the public at risk.
- CWLTHCosmetic surgery practitioner endorsement (from 2025)Since 1 July 2023 — endorsed cosmetic surgery registration with stricter advertising + training.
- CWLTHNotify the Coroner of a reportable death (state)Health practitioners + others must report certain deaths to the State Coroner.
- CWLTHComply with state infection control + notifiable disease rulesHealth practitioners must notify State Health Departments of notifiable diseases.
- CWLTHCosmetic surgery advertising standards (Medical Board reforms 2024-2025)Stricter cosmetic surgery + procedure advertising from 2024 — bans on idealised body imagery + before/after misuse.
Frequently asked questions
- Who must comply with MBS telehealth item rules + continuous-care rules?
- GPs + specialists claiming MBS telehealth items.
- What triggers MBS telehealth item rules + continuous-care rules?
- Providing a telehealth consultation.
- When is MBS telehealth item rules + continuous-care rules due?
- Per consultation; recordkeeping.
- What is the maximum penalty for MBS telehealth item rules + continuous-care rules?
- Recovery of incorrect claims; Practitioner Review Program referral
- What evidence is required for MBS telehealth item rules + continuous-care rules?
- Patient records demonstrating prior face-to-face contact; consultation notes.
Source: https://www.mbsonline.gov.au. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.