Big changes are coming to how chronic conditions are managed in general practice—the first major updates in 20 years. Starting from 1 July 2025, new CCM MBS items recommended by the MBS Review Taskforce will take effect.

Change can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into small, practical steps makes it easier. Australian general practices already use great methods like Plan–Do–Study–Act cycles to adapt and improve while keeping things running smoothly.

To help your practice prepare, SEMPHN is launching a CCM activation series. This series will guide your team and patients in implementing the new items and strengthening patient connections through MyMedicare.

The first two activities will focus on:

• Activity 1: Focus on engaging patients with Chronic Disease Management Plans and team care arrangements, encouraging them to register with MyMedicare and return for regular reviews.
• Activity 2: Build awareness among your team about MyMedicare and the CCM changes, and explore how everyone can play a role in these updates.

Other steps your practice can take to prepare now:

Here are some other ideas you might like to consider to prepare for CCM item number changes and MyMedicare patient registration:

1. Discuss what these changes mean with your practice team and identify any processes you need to review or update (e.g. incorporating MyMedicare registration in your workflows for chronic disease/conditions management).
2. Register your practice for MyMedicare if you have not done so already.
3. Engage your patients to encourage them to register with MyMedicare, particularly those with a chronic condition or existing care plan. This could include:

• Prepare your practice team to speak with patients about MyMedicare by discussing MyMedicare at a practice meeting or print off copies of the MyMedicare brochures and MyMedicare patient registration frequently asked questions for your practice team to have on hand to support conversations with patients.
• Include the MyMedicare Registration form and brochure with your patient consent and data collection form
• Update your practice website to include links to MyMedicare brochures and MyMedicare patient registration information.
• Place MyMedicare posters and brochures in your practice waiting room/reception and display MyMedicare Patient videos in your waiting room screens.
• Post information about MyMedicare in your practice Facebook or social media page using the following Social Media Tiles.

We’re here to support you every step of the way as you implement these changes.

Stay tuned for more information.