Rebates for COVID-19 vaccine assessments will no longer be tiered by dose number as the Federal Government attempts to cut down the number of MBS items.

From February, GPs in metro areas will be able to claim $35.05 for any vaccine suitability assessment, while those in non-metro areas will claim $38.45.  

Currently, in metro areas, GPs can claim a rebate of $31.55 for a first vaccine dose and then $24.85 for subsequent doses — but with an additional payment of $10.20 for third, fourth or fifth doses.  

The RACGP has published an early outline of the new rebate structure that will be in effect from 1 February (see below), which it says is “far less complex”.