Medicare Benefits Schedule Optimisation
Optimising funding for better health outcomes
What we do
The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Optimisation Project is dedicated to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health organisations (ACCHOs) across Australia. Our goal is to improve MBS claiming practices, ensuring that ACCHOs can maximise primary care funding sources, including the Practice Incentive Program (PIP).
Our initiatives
Funded by the Australian Government’s National Indigenous Australians Agency, this project aims to strengthen the financial sustainability of ACCHOs. By improving access to available funding, we help ensure these organisations can continue delivering essential health services to their communities.
ACCHOs will receive comprehensive guidance on optimising MBS utilisation, ensuring they can claim accurately and efficiently. This initiative not only supports the financial health of ACCHOs but also contributes to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We are committed to empowering ACCHOs with the knowledge and resources required to navigate the complexities of the MBS and other funding opportunities. This support fosters expertise that will lead to more informed and effective use of these financial resources.
Project objectives
The key objectives of the project are to:
- Identify (and where necessary, develop) sustainable resources and systems to help ACCHOs fully leverage MBS revenues.
- Improve the efficiency and sustainability of MBS claiming practices in ACCHOs, ensuring consistency on a national scale.
- Enhance the capacity and capability of ACCHOs to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary healthcare services.
Increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff with appropriate knowledge of efficient MBS claiming practices, ensuring sustainability and national consistency.
Our approach
We support ACCHOs in delivering effective, high-quality, and culturally informed health services. Our approach is centred on strengthening service delivery and addressing the unique health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
A Community of Practice is being established to promote knowledge exchange and collaboration within the sector. We also work closely with key government bodies, including the National Indigenous Australians Agency, the Department of Health and Aged Care, and Services Australia, to ensure that health strategies and policies are informed by both community needs and government insights.
By fostering partnerships and sharing expertise, we aim to contribute to the advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services, ensuring sustainable health outcomes for the future.
Our impact
This project is designed to assist ACCHOs in optimising their MBS claims and utilising additional primary care funding streams, such as the Practice Incentives Program (PIP). By doing so, we aim to strengthen the capacity of ACCHOs to deliver culturally appropriate, high-quality health services that respond to community needs.
Through targeted support, ACCHOs will enhance their understanding of MBS and PIP funding, improving their financial management practices. This, in turn, helps ensure the sustainability and quality of health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Our focus on efficient management and use of funding resources is crucial for maintaining and elevating healthcare services in these communities, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes.
Medicare Benefit Schedule Optimisation eLearning Courses
Background
NACCHO has been provided with an objective from the Commonwealth Government National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) to support Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to optimise Medicare Benefits Schedule claiming practises and utilisation of other primary care funding sources such as Practice Incentive Payments.
Purpose
This is to strengthen the sectors capacity to deliver high quality, responsive, and culturally appropriate health services contributing to improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Committees
The GP Reference Group
ACCHO locations
NACCHO oversees a network of 146 members, each running Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) across urban, regional, and remote Australia. These ACCHOs range from large facilities with multiple healthcare professionals providing comprehensive services to smaller centres focused on preventive care and health education, primarily delivered by Aboriginal Health Workers and nurses.
NACCHO’s Aged Care programs are delivered in selected locations across its network, ensuring culturally appropriate care reaches Elders and older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in diverse urban, regional, and remote communities.
Contact
For any inquiries or further information about the MBS team, please send them to: mbs@naccho.org.au
