From 1 November 2006, new GP Mental Health Care items became available on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) under the banner of Better Access to psychiatrists, psychologists and GPs through the Medicare Benefits Schedule initiative. The items provide a structured framework for GPs to undertake early intervention, assessment and management of patients with mental disorders, and provide new referral pathways to clinical psychologists and other allied mental health service providers.

The new items replace the existing items and incentive payments available under the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care Program, however key components of BOiMHC, including education and training for GPs, appropriate remuneration of GPs for delivery of Focussed Psychological Strategies, support from psychiatrists, and access to allied health services are still to be honoured and supported by the Australian Government.

This allows GPs to choose between referral options to both the government funded ATAPS services offered under Better Outcomes and the private sector services offered through the new items coined ‘Better Access’.