60-day prescriptions

Some PBS medicines are now able to be prescribed as a 60-day supply, with the aim of saving patients’ money and time. This came into effect on 1 September 2023.

A prescriber can choose whether to write a 30 or 60-day prescription, using their clinical judgment. Expert recommendation is that 60-day prescriptions are suitable for patients with ongoing health conditions who are stable on their current regimen.

Stage 1 allows 90 medicines to be prescribed as 60-day supply – including medicines for cardiovascular disease, Crohn’s disease, gout, heart failure, high cholesterol, hypertension, osteoporosis and ulcerative colitis. Stage 2 is planned to start on 1 March 2024 and Stage 3 on 1 September 2024.

Prescribing software will be automatically updated, and eligible medicines will have an additional PBS item code.

More information:

• Information kit for prescribers
• Consumer guide

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This blog contains general information only. We recommend you contact your medical defence organisation or insurer when you require specific advice in relation to medico-legal matters.