The Australian government has launched MyMedicare, a voluntary patient registration scheme aimed at enhancing the Medicare system and improving patient care. 

The initiative, introduced as part of a $2.2 billion commitment to bolster Medicare, has sparked interest and questions. 

MyMedicare is a free patient registration program by the federal government. It is designed to strengthen Medicare and foster a closer patient-doctor relationship. 

By registering with a chosen clinic and preferred GP, people can gain access to additional Medicare rebates. 

This initiative also provides financial incentives to GP clinics from the government. Notably, if a clinic has multiple doctors, a client can consult with any GP at that clinic, even if they are not the person’s designated doctor.

All Australians with a Medicare or Department of Veterans' Affairs card can participate. 

Eligibility requires two or more face-to-face appointments at a regular practice in the past two years (or one face-to-face visit for remote locations). Exceptions are made for individuals facing hardship, such as domestic violence or homelessness.

MyMedicare grants access to Medicare rebates for longer telehealth consultations, reinstating rebates for appointments exceeding 20 and 40 minutes. 

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) notes that vulnerable individuals, such as those seeking mental health support or residing in remote areas, benefit most from these extended telehealth consultations. 

Starting November 1, GPs will receive triple incentives for bulk-billing children under 16, pensioners, and concession card holders for long telehealth appointments.

MyMedicare will gradually roll out over three years, with additional incentives in the pipeline. 

From mid-2024, two more benefits will be introduced: the Aged Care Incentive for doctors visiting MyMedicare registered patients in residential aged care, and the Frequent Hospital Users Incentive for managing complex chronic diseases in the community.

Users can make appointments elsewhere, but MyMedicare benefits are accessible only at the registered practice. People can change their practice or preferred GP at any time, but switching clinics may require two face-to-face appointments before telehealth benefits kick in.

The government maintains that MyMedicare does not intend to create a hierarchy of patients and will continue to consult with primary care sector representatives during the program's rollout.

MyMedicare has encountered a rocky start with technical problems and poor communication, leaving many GPs unaware of necessary steps for patient registration. 

The confusion led to frustration among healthcare professionals and patients, with the technical hiccup hindering registration.