Supporting general practice through national reforms
Of practices signed up to MyMedicare
Of practices transitioned to the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program
Of practices registered for the General Practice Aged Care Incentive
General practices across the Murrumbidgee region navigated significant national primary care reform during 2025-2026, requiring changes to everything from business models and funding arrangements to clinical workflows and the way patients access care.
Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) worked alongside practices to help them understand, prepare for and implement four major areas of reform: MyMedicare, the new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP), changes to Chronic Condition Management framework and the continuation of the General Practice Aged Care Incentive (GPACI). Support included one-on-one practice engagement, education, resources and practical implementation assistance.
MPHN Senior Manager Primary Care Engagement, Alison Jansen said the scale and pace of reform meant practices were often managing several significant changes at once.
“Our focus was on making the changes as clear and manageable as possible for practices. These reforms can have a real impact on workflows, business models and the way teams deliver care, so we wanted practices to know what was changing, what it meant for them and where they could turn for support.”
Changes to Chronic Condition Management arrangements in July 2025 were particularly significant, introducing new MBS item numbers and reimbursement structures and requiring practices to adapt clinical processes. MPHN responded with a comprehensive change management approach, including a General Practice Activation Series designed to build understanding and preparedness for the new arrangements.
The year also saw strong uptake of other reforms. Almost all practices across the region signed up to MyMedicare, more than half transitioned to BBPIP and 70% registered for GPACI.
For MPHN, the experience also highlighted the resilience of general practice teams as they continued to put patient care at the centre of significant change.
“What stood out was the adaptability of general practice,” Ms Jansen, said. “Practices were navigating complex changes while continuing to care for their communities. Our role is to work alongside them through that change so reforms can ultimately translate into better access, continuity and care for people across the Murrumbidgee.”
