Medicare Barriers Restrict Access to Menopause Services
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is calling for urgent reforms to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) to enable nurse practitioners to expand their role in menopause and perimenopause care across the country.
This call follows the Australian Government’s launch of its first national Menopause and Perimenopause Campaign, which aims to address the growing demand for expert clinical services for these conditions.
Acting ACN CEO Dr Zachary Byfield stated, “The campaign’s success depends on women being able to access timely, expert clinical care once they decide to seek help. Nurse practitioners are a highly qualified part of the health workforce whose contribution is currently constrained by outdated Medicare settings.”
Challenges in Current Medicare Framework
Nurse practitioners in Australia encounter numerous hurdles under the current Medicare framework. They have fewer billable item numbers compared to general practitioners (GPs), face lower rebate levels, and encounter restrictions on key services and referrals.
These limitations hinder nurse practitioners from providing integrated and financially viable care, particularly in primary and community settings, thereby affecting the system’s ability to address workforce shortages and improve access for women seeking menopause support.
The ACN has identified specific outdated barriers, such as limited access to preventive health assessment items, no dedicated MBS items for menopause management, and insufficient remuneration for complex consultations.
“This campaign is an important step in recognising that women’s health concerns must be taken seriously,” Dr Byfield remarked. “But information alone is not enough. Women also need to be able to see a clinician quickly, in their community, who has the time and expertise to listen and to walk with them through what can be a complex transition.”
The ACN is advocating for the expansion of MBS items available to nurse practitioners, the introduction of dedicated MBS items for menopause and perimenopause assessment, and enhanced rebate levels for consultations reflecting the complexity of care required.
“Empowering the full health workforce – including nurse practitioners – is fundamental to delivering on that promise. Australia cannot afford to leave any part of its skilled workforce on the sidelines while women are waiting for care,” Dr Byfield concluded.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 11:59 am
