CTG PBS Program – Information for Health Professionals
Now you can remove cost as a barrier to medicines. The CTG PBS Co-payment Program improves access to all PBS-listed medicines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. All doctors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners, and their authorised delegates can register patients in HPOS, a one-time, lifelong registration that follows patients across care settings. Noting assessment must occur by a PBS prescriber or an Aboriginal Health Practitioner.
This page outlines key roles, practical steps, and tips to embed CTG PBS into everyday practice, including primary care, community pharmacy, hospitals, and remote services.
Key information for health professionals
The CTG PBS Co-payment Program improves access to all PBS medicines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
All doctors, Aboriginal Health Practitioners and their delegates can register patients on this program. If you’re outside of these roles, you still have a fundamental role in supporting patients to access this program.
See below for ways in which we can all support Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander patients to access affordable medicines.
The CTG PBS Co-payment Program covers all PBS medicines, but not private or non-PBS over the counter medicines. Under the Program, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who would normally pay the full General PBS co-payment amount, pay the reduced Concessional rate. Patients who would normally pay the Concessional rate will almost always receive their PBS medicines for free.
For GPs
- Register in HPOS (not via prescription). See here for more information and support on how to register someone.
- Align practice systems with RACGP policy to prompt CTG checks.
- Delegate registration, following patient assessment, to authorised staff where appropriate.
For pharmacists
- Only doctors, Aboriginal Health Practitioners and authorised delegates can register clients.
- Check patient’s CTG status via HPOS or your dispensing system. Remember: “CTG on a prescription” does not mean the patient is registered.
- Registrations are real-time updates within seconds but can’t be back-dated.
For doctors in hospitals
- Register in HPOS before discharge so patients continue therapy without barriers. Go here to see how to register patients.
- Confirm CTG status and supply at discharge.
For Aboriginal Health Practitioners
- If you’re Ahpra (if your profession requires) and Medicare registered, you can directly register patients.
For remote health services
- CTG complements the RAAHS Program.
- Registration ensures patients can access medicines when travelling.
For ACCHO and non-ACCHO pharmacists
- Partner with GPs and teams to make CTG registration and medicines access routine.
- Embed in local policies, software and discharge checklists.
Patient eligibility
Patients can be registered if they:
- Are an Australian resident or eligible overseas representative.
- Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander to the registering practitioner.
- Consent to participate.
And the registering practitioner believes the patient:
- Would experience setbacks in treatment without PBS medicines.
- May not adhere without CTG support.
- Consents to receive CTG supplies.
Contact
For any inquiries or further information about the Medicines and Pharmacy team at: medicines@naccho.org.au.
