This fact sheet addresses frequently asked questions and compliance considerations to help GPs ensure accurate billing of Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item 23 (a Level B consultation). This is one of the most commonly used item numbers in general practice and is a key item number that features in Medicare compliance issues, with numerous cases involving practitioners repaying inappropriate claims.[1]
Item 23 applies to a professional attendance by a general practitioner for a standard consultation lasting more than 6 minutes but usually less than 20 minutes.
From MBS Schedule: Professional attendance by a general practitioner at consulting rooms (other than a service to which another item in this Schedule applies), lasting at least 6 minutes and less than 20 minutes and including any of the following that are clinically relevant:
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas eu odio in nibh placerat tempor ac vel mauris. Nunc efficitur sapien at nisl semper dapibus. Nullam tempor eros sed dui aliquam lacinia. Nunc feugiat facilisis ex.
Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae; Maecenas mauris nibh, tempus sit amet erat vel, pellentesque maximus ipsum. Suspendisse dui nunc, porta ac ultricies id, sodales eu ante.
Stephen is a GP Supervisor, Medical Educator, GP academic and Medical Director of Medcast. He has completed a PhD on Virtual Communities of Practice in GP Training.
Become a member and get unlimited access to 100s of hours of premium education.
Learn moreCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common upper limb conditions. This FastTrack activity provides a concise summary of the diagnosis and management of CTS, including the use of the CTS-6 diagnostic tool and when to refer for surgical intervention. 30min each of RP and EA CPD available with the quiz.
New MBS items for GP chronic condition management plans (GPCCMPs) came into effect on July 1st 2025. This Business Skills FastTrack is designed to update GP practice owners and locums about the new GPCCMP item numbers, ensuring you maximise your billing practices without compromising on compliance. 30mins each RP and EA CPD available.
GPs play a critical role in identifying patients with a suspicion of lung cancer. This FastTrack fact sheet covers screening, diagnosis, and investigation of lung cancer in primary care, including updates on the new National Lung Cancer Screening program. Earn 30mins each of RP and EA CPD with the quiz.