Services Australia: patient medical record baselines guidance

Services Australia (SA) is continuing to increase the number of PBS medicines that can be requested via self-service using the Online PBS Authorities system. 

What's changing 

As the remaining written authority required programs become available for self-service, you will need to demonstrate patient eligibility for change, recommencement and continuing treatment. 

For example, you may need to re-state the baseline value/s that were provided in the initial application to demonstrate your patient's eligibility for continuing treatment. 

What you need to do 

In preparation for these changes, SA recommends you start documenting your patient's baseline values and previous treatment failures in their medical records now. SA will continue to have access to patient history however may not have all the patient records in their system (e.g. some PBS prescribed items are Authority Required - STREAMLINED). 
SA encourages you to document your patients baseline values in their medical record to avoid any administration delays in proving patient care. 

SA have developed PBS Online Authority training modules to help you with this process

If you require assistance or have any queries, please email 

authority.comms.change@servicesaustralia.gov.au.