Consultation on a proposed new Private Health Insurance (PHI) classification spreadsheet template

Feedback updated 24 Jun 2026

We asked

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (the department) sought feedback on proposed changes to the Private Health Insurance (PHI) classification spreadsheet template.  

The proposed template aimed to simplify the spreadsheet by removing information already available in MBS XML files and reducing duplication and better support stakeholders in implementing Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) changes.  

You said

During consultation period, the department received feedback from a number of stakeholders, including private health insurers and sector representatives.

Stakeholders were broadly supportive of the proposed changes and agreed that the revised template would improve usability, reduce duplication with MBS XML files, improve visibility of changes between spreadsheet versions, and streamline implementation processes. 

Some stakeholders noted the importance of ensuring information remains accessible during implementation. 

We did

The department considered the feedback received and incorporated relevant suggestions into the revised template including removing fields duplicated with the MBS Online XML and adding a list of deleted MBS items. The PHI classification spreadsheet for 1 July 2026 was published 4 June 2026 using the revised template.

The 1 July 2026 spreadsheet in the superseded template was circulated to stakeholders by email to allow stakeholders to test and validate their systems.

The department thanks stakeholder for their participation and valuable feedback throughout the consultation process.

Closed 15 May 2026

Opened 15 Apr 2026

Contact

PHI@health.gov.au

Overview

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (the department) is seeking feedback on a proposed new Private Health Insurance (PHI) classification spreadsheet template.  

The proposed template aims to improve the usability and clarity of the PHI spreadsheet and better support stakeholders in implementing Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) changes.  

The department has identified opportunities to:  

It is anticipated that the revised template, incorporating feedback as necessary, will replace the existing spreadsheet format for MBS changes taking effect 1 July 2026. 

Background 

The PHI spreadsheet is published alongside MBS updates to support accurate payments for insurers and medical practitioners by providing information on clinical categories and procedure types.  

Stakeholder feedback and an internal review have identified several limitations with the current format including: 

  • duplication of data already available in the MBS XML file (e.g. item descriptors and fees)  

  • limited visibility of changes between versions  

  • the manual effort required to reconcile updates.  

These challenges are becoming more significant due to:  

  • increasing frequency of MBS updates  

  • indexation cycles resulting in multiple releases within short timeframes.  

Why your views matter

This consultation seeks stakeholder feedback on the proposed changes to the PHI spreadsheet template. 

Your feedback will:  

  • inform refinement of the proposed template  

  • support decisions on implementation approach and timing 

  • help ensure the template meets stakeholder operational needs.  

You are invited to submit your feedback by completing the survey by Friday 15 May 2026. 

Audiences

  • Anyone from any background

Interests

  • Health insurance