As Australia continues to advance in addressing gendered health gaps, menopause is finally gaining the clinical recognition it deserves. From 1 July 2025, a new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item — MBS 695 — provides a dedicated rebate for menopause-related consultations in general practice. This marks a meaningful shift in how midlife women's health is supported in primary care and offers GPs an opportunity to deliver more targeted, longer consultations with appropriate remuneration.
What is MBS 695?
MBS 695 is a new general attendance item introduced to support the care of patients experiencing perimenopause or menopause. It applies to consultations lasting 20 minutes or longer that focus primarily on the assessment and management of menopause-related symptoms.
To bill this item, GPs must ensure the consultation meets the following criteria:
The rebate for MBS 695 is currently set at $101.90, making it comparable to other time-based items while recognising the complexity and nuance often involved in menopause care.
Why this matters
The introduction of MBS 695 reflects the growing demand for better menopause support and the evolving expectations of patients. Increased media attention, such as the ABC’s Menopause: The Change, and advocacy from groups like Jean Hailes and the Australian Menopause Society, have led to more women actively seeking informed, empathetic care.
Historically, short consults haven’t allowed the time needed to properly address the wide-ranging and often under-recognised symptoms of menopause. This new item helps enable GPs to offer longer, focused care, and, importantly, to be appropriately remunerated for doing so.
Clinical implications for GPs
Menopause doesn’t present in just one way. Many patients first come in with vague or seemingly unrelated symptoms such as disrupted sleep, mood swings, fatigue, weight changes, or cognitive issues. Others may be concerned about cardiovascular health, bone density, or sexual wellbeing.
Recognising perimenopausal symptoms early and initiating timely management — whether through lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, or supportive interventions — can dramatically improve quality of life.
This shift also signals a greater need for GPs to stay informed about the latest in menopause care, including updated guidelines, contraindications for hormone therapy, and evidence-based alternative treatments.
Next steps for GPs
To prepare your practice for an increase in menopause-related consults, consider reviewing your appointment scheduling to ensure availability of 20+ minute bookings. You should also consider engaging in CPD that deepens your understanding of midlife women’s health, like:
These professional development options will equip you not only to claim MBS 695 confidently, but also to offer best-practice care that aligns with patient expectations.
MBS 695 is more than just a new item number — it’s a signal that Medicare is beginning to catch up with the real needs of midlife women. As awareness grows, GPs will play a central role in delivering informed, compassionate, and clinically sound menopause care. Now is the time to build or deepen your expertise and ensure your practice is ready to meet this moment.
Next steps in your learning journey
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