On 1 September, the Commonwealth Government is introducing new measures that will allow doctors to prescribe two months’ (60 days) worth of medication to patients with a stable medication regimen, up from the previous limit of one month (30 days).
This will apply to around 300 medications (92 in the first stage) and will allow doctors to prescribe a two-month supply of eligible medicines for the cost of a single patient contribution. This will help patients with chronic health conditions and multiple medication requirements by reducing costs (note that safety net thresholds have not changed).
What you need to do
- Inpatients: Continue to use 30-day supply codes for any medications prescribed on discharge. Relevant 60-day codes may be used on discharge for chronic, stable conditions.
- Outpatients / Specialist Clinics: You can use the new 60-day supply code if prescribing eligible medications to patients on stable medication regimens. The 30-day supply maximum should be used for new medications, or if patients need alterations to medications or dosages to ensure timely review.
Learn more here: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/60-day-prescriptions
Approved by Associate Professor Anjali Dhulia, Chief Medical Officer, Executive Director, Medical Services