Primary Care and Digital Health Support - March 2026

Services Australia is making it easier for practices to manage patient registrations directly from their practice software—reducing administrative burden and freeing up more time for patient care.

This work will streamline processes and deliver practical tools that enable practices to connect to MyMedicare without needing to switch software programs or rely on HPOS.

New MyMedicare Web Services were released to software developers in December 2025. Once integrated, these services will allow practice software to:

• Register patients directly, including demographic details
• Accept or decline pending registrations
• Link incentive schemes to registrations
• Search and view registration details — all within existing software

These features will not appear automatically; software vendors must build them in.

We encourage practices to speak with their software providers about integrating the new web services from Services Australia. This will help ensure practices can take advantage of streamlined MyMedicare processes as soon as possible.

The 1800MEDICARE app provides My Health Record owners, holders, and their authorised or nominated representatives with quick and convenient access to key health information. This free mobile app can be installed on smartphones and tablets, making it easy for consumers to view and manage their health details on the go. (Please note: the app is not available on laptops or desktop computers).

Through the app, users can view important information such as immunisations, medicines, and test results. They can also add their own details, including emergency contacts, allergies, medicines, electronic prescriptions, and their Active Script List.

The first quarterly payments under the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program have been processed by Services Australia in January 2026, with payments made to the bank accounts nominated by BBPIP registered practices and providers’ bank accounts. Practices and providers can check their payment details via Health Professional Online Services (HPOS). A payment notice has also been sent to the HPOS email inboxes of practices and providers. Further information on how to access payment details is available in the MyMedicare BBPIP module

If your practice or provider has not received a payment, please review whether all BBPIP program requirements have been met. Detailed information about eligibility and requirements is available on the BBPIP Guidelines page and the BBPIP FAQ page for practices and providers.

To avoid delays in future payments, ensure your bank details are current – by following these steps and adding your provider bank account details for BBPIP.

The Department has released copies of the BBPIP registration declarations. Practices must consent to these declarations on the Services Australia website when: registering for BBPIP, opting out of BBPOP and opting back into BPIP. Copies of the declarations are available on the Department of Health Disability and Ageing website.

If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].

Australia is modernising My Health Record to ensure health information is shared more consistently and available sooner. The reforms include new laws (“Sharing by Default”) and policy changes that improve access to pathology and diagnostic imaging results.

1. Better Access – Sharing by Default (Legislative Change)

Pathology and diagnostic imaging providers will be required to upload reports automatically to My Health Record unless an exception applies.

Exceptions include:

• The consumer or representative asks not to upload.
• Uploading could negatively affect a person’s safety or wellbeing.
• Technical or system issues prevent uploading.
• Certain excluded tests (e.g., workplace or court ordered tests, law enforcement tests, research/clinical trial tests).

Providers must keep evidence of exceptions for two years.

These changes close longstanding information gaps and support safer, more coordinated care.

2. Faster Access – Timely Release of Results (Policy Change)

Pathology:

• Most results are available to consumers immediately once uploaded.
• Some specialised tests (anatomical pathology, cytopathology, genetic testing) have a 5-day delay.

Diagnostic Imaging:

• From March 2026: limb x-ray reports are available immediately.
• All other imaging reports (CT, MRI, PET, ultrasound, other x-rays) have a 5-day delay (reduced from 7).

A delay does not indicate whether the results are normal or abnormal.
New test categories

Why These Changes Matter:

• Less duplication: Clinicians can see previous tests and avoid unnecessary repeats.
• Better decisions: More complete information supports safer, informed care.
• More control for consumers: People receive results sooner and can better manage their health.

Resources are available

• Australian Digital Health Agency website
• Guide for Healthcare providers that request tests
• Consumer resources
• Download the ‘Now uploading pathology reports to My Health Record’ poster
• Download the ‘Now uploading diagnostic imaging reports to My Health Record’ poster

Together, Better and Faster Access are enhancing digital health across Australia by improving care coordination for providers and giving consumers greater ability to participate in managing their own health. For additional information or support, contact [email protected].

The IAR-DST has been developed to provide a nationally consistent and standardised approach to conduct initial mental health assessments. The Tool supports GPs and other health professionals in determining and recommending the most appropriate level of care for individuals seeking mental health support. The IAR-DST is not an assessment tool; it is a decision aid.

The IAR and IAR-DST are initiatives of the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, informed by Australian and international evidence, as well as advice from leading clinical experts. The two training options available to complete the program are the RACGP and ACCRM approved Online Live Workshop and the eLearning module which allows health professionals and intake interviewers or care navigators including non-clinical staff to complete the training at a time that suits them. This video provides further information on the module.

Village Medical on Jubilee, the third Village Medical general practice clinic in Mount Gambier, is now open, complementing its established sister clinics, Village Medical Centre and Village Medical on Helen.

Village Medical on Jubilee operates under the clinical guidance of Dr Hafiz Rizwan and Dr Tasneem Khan, supported by an experienced team of nursing staff and a professional reception team. The purpose-built facility includes on-site clinical laboratory services, enhancing convenience and continuity of care for patients and benefits from the convenience of a pharmacy located next door, enabling streamlined access to prescriptions and healthcare advice. The clinic has capacity to accommodate two additional doctors, in the future, reflecting Village Medical’s commitment to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the Mount Gambier community.

Country SA PHN is pleased to extend a warm welcome to all new Practice Managers and Nurse Managers who have recently joined general practices across our network. As part of the Country SA PHN practice support team, you are an important part of a connected and collaborative community.

We look forward to meeting you at our upcoming Practice Network Managers and Nurses Network Meeting, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect, share insights, and stay informed about key updates and initiatives.

For those who have recently commenced in their position, Country SA PHN is here to help you get started and are happy to arrange a practice visit or remote support session tailored to your needs.

We look forward to working with you and supporting your continued success. If you have any questions or would like support in your new role, please contact us at [email protected].

Hamley House Medical opened on the 19^th of January with strong local support. This community-focused general medical practice in Berri, offers warm, patient-centred care in a welcoming and thoughtfully designed environment. The Practice offers modern equipment and carefully prepared consulting spaces, with a team committed to providing accessible, family friendly healthcare across the Riverland region.

The Advancing Primary Care Grant is a one-off funding opportunity of up to $9,000 (excluding GST) per eligible practice location for supporting activities that strengthen responsive, high-quality primary care, including: digital development, infection prevention and control, accreditation, workforce development and health promotion and prevention.

Applications close 5pm Sunday 15 March 2026. If your application is successful, you will be formally notified and issued a Letter of Engagement for execution.

The GoShare Bowel Screening and Cervical Self Collection Program is now open for participation. This program will provide general practices and ACCHOs with a recall system that aims to increase bowel and cervical cancer screening rates and educate patients with the importance of participating in screening programs for the diseases.

Full training will be provided to practice staff to identify the following patient cohort:

• Bowel Screening 50+
• Bowel Screening 45-49 incorporating the 45-49 Health Assessment
• Bowel Screening 715
• Cervical Screening
• Staff explainers and resources for the waiting room will also be provided. 

This activity is fully funded by Country SA PHN including the SMS messages.

Please see the expression of interest form

SHINE SA Scholarships for Primary healthcare workers are still available. The scholarships are an opportunity for workers in country South Australia to develop skills in specific areas of healthcare, relating to sexual health. Currently courses for primary healthcare workers are available covering: STI and Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs) on the 18^th of March and a one-day Workshop on Sexual and Reproductive Health for GPs earlier in their career, or new to Australia.

SHINE SA is also providing Free Sexual and Reproductive Health Training for primary health care workers in Murray Bridge and surrounds on the 19^th March 2026. 

Country SA PHN, in collaboration with the Australian Primary Care Nurses Association (APNA), delivered an Immunisation Roadshow and Essentials of Primary Health Care nursing training across three regions - Port Lincoln, Port Augusta and the Adelaide Hills. The workshops were well attended by primary health care nurses across all regions.

As part of the Educations Services program, the South Australian Postgraduate Medical Education Association (SAPMEA) conducted a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and spirometry training workshop in Murray Bridge on the 9^th of February 2026.

This event was an outstanding success with overwhelmingly positive feedback from all attendees. This workshop received a 100% recommendation rate, 98% satisfaction rate with 92% of attendees stating that they intend to change practice as a result of this session. Participants found that this training addressed a critical gap in local GP-led respiratory diagnostics.

Country SA PHN thanks SAPMEA for their exemplary contributions to the Primary Care Workforce Education space.