Enhancing Indigenous Health Support with MBS 715

MBS Item 715 is designed specifically for Indigenous patients to provide holistic healthcare. It not only enhances preventative care but also unlocks access to additional allied health services and nursing support.

Key Features of MBS Item 715

• Age-Based Requirements: The assessment varies by the patient's age, with tailored MBS criteria for each group.
• Unlocks Allied Health Access: Patients gain access to 10 allied health visits, similar to the GP Management Plan (MBS 721).
• Supports Additional Items: Follow-up care by nurses or Indigenous health workers can be billed using items like 10987, 10988, and 10989.
• Flexible Timing: The assessment can be conducted every 9 months and may be completed alongside other health assessments (e.g., for patients over 75 or ADF veterans).

How to Maximise the 715 Assessment

         1. Use Allied Health Referrals Effectively

         The 715 assessment unlocks 10 allied health visits for services such as physiotherapy, mental health support, and dietetics. Use these referrals                 strategically to address the patient’s ongoing healthcare needs.

        2. Co-Bill Additional Items

          Incorporate follow-up services with these additional MBS items:

• 10987: Follow-up care by a nurse or Aboriginal health worker.
• 10988: Patient education and care coordination support.
• 10989: Chronic condition monitoring and management assistance.

         3. Create Tailored Templates

         While RACGP provides templates, customising your own based on the MBS descriptor can ensure compliance and streamline your workflow.Example          Billing Opportunities First Visit:

• Scenario: Complete a 715 assessment and provide allied health referrals for physiotherapy and mental health support.
• Billing: 715 + allied health referrals

Follow-Up Visit:

• Scenario: Provide follow-up care with education and care coordination support.
• Billing: 715 + 10987

Conclusion

By leveraging allied health referrals, co-billing opportunities, and tailored follow-up services, GPs can enhance patient outcomes while streamlining practice efficiency. Understanding and optimising the use of MBS 715 ensures that patients receive comprehensive support, enabling improved long-term health management. Now is the time to make the most of this essential health assessment item.