Free Micro Course: Understand Co-Billing Rules and Avoid Medicare Trouble
Medicare billing is complex, and co-billing unrelated items on the same day is one of the most confusing (and heavily audited) areas. Many GPS and practice staff don’t realise that even a legitimate consultation can trigger an audit if documentation or justification isn’t clear.
To help you avoid costly mistakes, General Practice Training and Consulting offers a short, focused course:
Micro Course – Billing of Unrelated Medicare Items (Also Known as Co-Billing).
Why Co-Billing Is a High-Risk Area
Each year, thousands of general practitioners are subject to audits or repay Medicare funds due to billing patterns that don’t align with MBS rules—especially when billing combinations like:
- Item 23 + 2713
- Item 36 + 2715
- Item 721 + 23 (which is never allowed)
Even when services are clinically necessary, documentation must clearly show the issues were distinct, unrelated, and required same-day attention.
What This Course Covers
- Which MBS item combinations are never allowed under co-billing rules
- Permissible combinations and the conditions required to justify them
- Case examples with correct documentation phrasing, such as:
“Mental health consult (Item 2713, 30 minutes) for anxiety + Sore throat reviewed (Item 23, 10 minutes). Separate issues, distinct notes, and timing documented.” - Documentation tips to ensure audits are avoided or successfully defended
- Practical examples of when to reschedule services instead of co-billing
Who Should Do This Course?
- GPs, especially those who frequently manage complex or multi-issue consults
- Practice Nurses, who assist in managing care plans and chronic disease
- Reception and Admin Staff, involved in allocating time and appointments
- Practice Managers, responsible for billing compliance and internal audits
Course Details
- Micro course—can be completed in under 20 minutes
- 100% free to access
- Online, self-paced
- Certificate issued (suitable for CPD and onboarding documentation)
Why It’s Worth Completing
- Avoids common Medicare mistakes and clawbacks
- Reduces the risk of PSR referral for your doctors
- Builds confidence around when and how to co-bill
- Ensures your documentation meets compliance standards
Final Word
Co-billing can be a legitimate part of general practice—but only when done correctly. This short course removes the guesswork and gives your whole team clarity on one of Medicare’s most misunderstood areas.
Enrol now or share it with your clinical and administrative staff.