The two prime doctors' groups have both agreed to encourage uptake and usage of the My Health Record in return for a lifting of the freeze on MBS indexation, a reversal of the removal of indexation on bulk-billing incentives for pathology and diagnostic imaging, and dropping plans to lower rent for approved pathology collection centres.

In a series of “compacts” with Minister for Health Greg Hunt, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian Medical Association (AMA) have agreed to a number of stances, including supporting the MBS review process, a tightening of the current MBS after-hours items and encouraging further uptake and usage of the My Health Record.

Describing it as a “landmark agreement with government”, RACGP president Bastian Seidel said it would mean decisions would no longer be made without “engagement and agreement” from general practice first.