Micro-Course: Billing of Unrelated Medicare Items (Co-Billing) for GPs and Practice Staff
Note: This page is for informational purposes only. If you want to gain CPD hours and download an official certificate of completion, please enrol in the free course here.
Why This Course Matters
Co-billing—claiming unrelated Medicare items during the same consultation—can be vital when patients present with multiple health concerns. Done correctly, it improves care delivery and ensures appropriate remuneration. Done incorrectly, it can trigger audits and penalties.
This micro-course equips GPs and practice staff with the knowledge to bill unrelated items lawfully, document effectively, and reduce compliance risks.
What You Will Learn
By completing this course, you will:
- Understand which Medicare item combinations are allowed or prohibited
- Learn how to bill unrelated items correctly
- Identify the documentation required to justify co-billing
- Apply best practices through real-world case examples
Course Delivery & Certification
- Micro-course format: Short, practical, and certificate-ready for accreditation requirements
- Fully online: Available anytime, from any internet-connected device
- Certificate of Completion: Issued instantly upon course completion (counts for 1 hour GP self-recorded CPD EA)
Enrol now for free to access the full training and receive your certificate.
Key Learning Modules
1. Key Principles of Co-Billing
- Absolute Restrictions: Certain items (e.g., care plans 965/967) cannot be billed with general attendance items (23, 36, 44).
- Permissible Combinations: Some combinations are allowed when clinically justified (e.g., item 23 with a mental health item such as 2715).
- Criteria for Co-Billing: Must address different body systems, have clinical necessity for same-day service, and be documented separately.
2. Rules & Documentation Requirements
- Distinct Services: Each consultation must address a separate condition.
- Time Recording: Document start and end times for each service.
- Clear Notes: Record the clinical issue, actions taken, and the reason both were addressed on the same day.
3. Case Scenarios & FAQs
Example – Postnatal Depression & Breastfeeding Difficulties:
A 40-minute consultation: 30 minutes on mental health, 10 minutes on breastfeeding issues. Bill item 2713 (mental health) + item 23 (breastfeeding).
Example – Sore Throat & Workplace Anxiety:
20 minutes on mental health, 10 minutes on sore throat. Bill item 2713 + item 23.
Common FAQs:
- Can item 23 be claimed with 2715? → Yes, if unrelated and clinically necessary.
- Does issue order matter? → No, but each must meet item requirements.
- What if mental health component is under 20 minutes? → Bill a standard attendance item instead.
4. Documentation Example for Co-Billing
Consultation Summary:
- 10:00–10:10 – Breastfeeding advice
- 10:10–10:40 – Postnatal depression management
Reason: Both issues required urgent attention in the same session.
5. Red Flags for Audits
- Frequent pairing of high-value items
- Incomplete documentation
- Routine co-billing without clear justification
Compliance & Best Practice
This course follows current Medicare guidelines (as of 15 Jan 2025) and emphasises safe billing practices to protect clinicians from audit risks.
Enrolment Information
The full course is free, requires no payment, and provides:
- Step-by-step rules and scenarios
- CPD certificate for your records
- Access to all course resources
Related Free Courses
Explore more free micro-courses at courses.generalpracticetraining.com.au or browse general practice resources at generalpracticetraining.com.au.