Chinese medicine (acupuncture) fees

Changes to the TAC Chinese medicine (acupuncture) fee schedule

On 1 November 2026, we are updating the TAC Chinese medicine (acupuncture) fee schedule and increasing published fees by up to 65%.

These changes aim to improve the client experience by reducing gap payments and any potential delays in accessing treatment.

The new TAC fee schedule for Chinese medicine (acupuncture) should be used for services delivered on and after 1 November 2026. Please use the 1/7/2026 - 31/10/2026 fee schedule for services delivered prior to this date.

The updated fee schedule includes:

Service descriptions linked to each item number to support accurate billing.
Fees aligned to reasonable market rates.

Existing item numbers within the current fee schedule will be retained. Please continue to use these same numbers with updated rates.

What providers need to do

Please update your billing systems to reflect the new item numbers and rates.

These item numbers and rates must be used for all services delivered to TAC clients on and after 1 November 2026. The easiest way to do this is via the HICAPS digital platform, which will be updated to reflect the new fee schedule.

Services delivered prior to 1 November 2026 can still be manually billed for up to two years.

More information about invoicing the TAC is available on our website.

There are no changes to the TAC service approval process, and this change does not impact any other TAC services or benefits.

How to ask questions

We’re here to help. If you have questions about the new fee schedule, please contact sectors@tac.vic.gov.au

Effective 1 November 2026

Acupuncture services can be invoiced online via HICAPS Digital for next business day payments.

Future fees

For Acupuncture services provided by a Chinese Medicine Practitioner on or after 1 November 2026
Service Description and Requirements	GST *	TAC Item Number	Maximum Payment Rate
Consultation
Initial Consultation		A600	$120.00
The session duration must represent reasonable and appropriate clinical practice Assessment of a new client or a new episode of care for an existing client Initial Management, treatment or advice Expectation setting that treatment will be provided in line with the Clinical Framework for the Delivery of Health Services Goal setting and treatment planning if appropriate at assessment Screening for barriers to recovery
Standard Consultation		A602	$85.00
The session duration must represent reasonable and appropriate clinical practice Further assessment as required Management, treatment or advice including: Goal setting and treatment planning Response to previous treatment and self-management strategies Monitoring of progress towards goals and adaptation of treatment when goals are not being met Monitoring barriers to recovery and acting on these when goals are not met
Completion of an Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan (AHTRP)
Completion of AHTRP – Providers registered for GST	*	A650	$85.87
Completion of AHTRP -Providers not registered for GST		AGF650	$78.06
Completion and submission of an Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan as outlined in the Acupuncture Policy or when requested by the TAC.

From 1/11/2026

For Acupuncture services provided by a Chinese Medicine Practitioner on or after 1 November 2026
Service Description and Requirements	GST *	TAC Item Number	Maximum Payment Rate
Consultation
Initial Consultation		A600	$120.00
The session duration must represent reasonable and appropriate clinical practice Assessment of a new client or a new episode of care for an existing client Initial Management, treatment or advice Expectation setting that treatment will be provided in line with the Clinical Framework for the Delivery of Health Services Goal setting and treatment planning if appropriate at assessment Screening for barriers to recovery
Standard Consultation		A602	$85.00
The session duration must represent reasonable and appropriate clinical practice Further assessment as required Management, treatment or advice including: Goal setting and treatment planning Response to previous treatment and self-management strategies Monitoring of progress towards goals and adaptation of treatment when goals are not being met Monitoring barriers to recovery and acting on these when goals are not met
Completion of an Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan (AHTRP)
Completion of AHTRP – Providers registered for GST	*	A650	$85.87
Completion of AHTRP -Providers not registered for GST		AGF650	$78.06
Completion and submission of an Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan as outlined in the Acupuncture Policy or when requested by the TAC.

Service and Approval Requirements

Approval Requirements

Consultations

The treatment must be related to the client’s transport accident injuries and delivered in line with the Clinical Framework for the Delivery of Health Services
Treatment within the first 90 days of a client’s accident can be provided without the need to contact the TAC for approval first

Completion of an Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan (AHTRP)

Approval is not required but should not exceed required frequency.

Please refer to the Acupuncture Policy for further detail

Current and previous fees

For Acupuncture services provided by a Chinese Medicine Practitioner between 1 July 2026 and 31 October 2026
Service Description	GST *	TAC Item Number	Maximum Payment Rate
Initial Consultation		A600	$72.76
Standard Consultation		A602	$59.47
Completion of Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan (AHTRP) when requested by the TAC - Providers registered for GST	*	A650	$65.27
Completion of Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan (AHTRP) when requested by the TAC - Providers not registered for GST		AGF650	$59.34

1/7/2026 - 31/10/2026

For Acupuncture services provided by a Chinese Medicine Practitioner between 1 July 2026 and 31 October 2026
Service Description	GST *	TAC Item Number	Maximum Payment Rate
Initial Consultation		A600	$72.76
Standard Consultation		A602	$59.47
Completion of Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan (AHTRP) when requested by the TAC - Providers registered for GST	*	A650	$65.27
Completion of Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan (AHTRP) when requested by the TAC - Providers not registered for GST		AGF650	$59.34

For Acupuncture services provided by a Chinese Medicine Practitioner between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026
Service Description	GST *	TAC Item Number	Maximum Payment Rate
Initial Consultation		A600	$70.53
Standard Consultation		A602	$57.64
Completion of Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan (AHTRP) when requested by the TAC - Providers registered for GST	*	A650*	$63.27
Completion of Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan (AHTRP) when requested by the TAC - Providers not registered for GST		AGF650	$57.52

1/7/2025 - 30/6/2026 fees

For Acupuncture services provided by a Chinese Medicine Practitioner between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026
Service Description	GST *	TAC Item Number	Maximum Payment Rate
Initial Consultation		A600	$70.53
Standard Consultation		A602	$57.64
Completion of Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan (AHTRP) when requested by the TAC - Providers registered for GST	*	A650*	$63.27
Completion of Allied Health Treatment and Recovery Plan (AHTRP) when requested by the TAC - Providers not registered for GST		AGF650	$57.52

*Please note:

Items denoted with an asterisk (*) are services which the TAC deems to be a taxable supply.
These item codes and maximum payment rates are to be used by providers who are registered for GST.
The accompanying maximum payment rate includes GST (10%).
For further information about GST, please contact the Australian Taxation Office and/or your tax advisor.