Professional Services Review (PSR)

Helping to safeguard Medicare and the PBS for all Australians

Professional Services Review introduction

Professional Services Review

The PSR agency administers the PSR Scheme to investigate Medicare-referred cases of possible inappropriate practice relating to Medicare, the CDBS and the PBS.

The government is now operating in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.

Our role

To protect patients and the community from the risks associated with inappropriate practice and to protect the Commonwealth from having to meet the cost of medical/health services provided as a result of inappropriate practice.

Useful links

The 3 stages of a review

The PSR Scheme provides for the separation of the decision-making process and has three main stages, which may not apply to all cases.

Review by the Director

The PSR process begins when a Delegate of the Chief Executive Medicare requests the Director to undertake a review of the provision of services by a practitioner over a specified period.

Investigation by a Committee

If the Director considers that the conduct of the practitioner needs further investigation, or the practitioner chooses not to enter into a negotiated agreement, a Committee of the practitioner’s peers is established.

Determining Authority

When a Committee makes a finding of inappropriate practice against a practitioner, the Determining Authority will invite submissions from the practitioner on the sanctions it should impose.

The PSR Scheme

Through the performance of its statutory role, PSR protects patients and the community from the risks associated with inappropriate practice, and protects the Commonwealth from having to meet the cost of medical / health services provided as a result of inappropriate practice.