MedsCheck: Free Medication Review Most Australians Don't Know About
Updated 2026 · Government-funded, no referral required
If you take multiple prescription medicines, there is a free government-funded service that could help you manage them better, avoid unnecessary costs, and catch potential problems. It is called MedsCheck, and it is available at most community pharmacies across Australia. Despite being completely free and requiring no doctor's referral, many Australians have never heard of it.
MedsCheck at a Glance
What Happens During a MedsCheck?
During a MedsCheck, your pharmacist will sit down with you for a one-on-one consultation to review all the medicines you are currently taking, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements. They will explain what each medicine does, how and when to take it, and check for potential interactions between your medications. They will also look for duplications (taking two medicines that do the same thing) and identify any medicines you may no longer need. After the review, your pharmacist will prepare a report that they can share with your doctor.
Who Should Get a MedsCheck?
MedsCheck is especially valuable if you take multiple prescription medicines regularly, have recently had changes to your medications, use medicines from more than one prescriber, take over-the-counter medicines or supplements alongside prescriptions, or feel confused about how or when to take your medicines. You need a Medicare card or DVA card, and you must not have had a MedsCheck, Diabetes MedsCheck, HMR, or RMMR in the past 12 months.
MedsCheck vs Home Medicines Review (HMR)
Both services are free, but they differ in scope and process. A MedsCheck is conducted at the pharmacy, takes about 20 minutes, and does not require a doctor's referral. A Home Medicines Review (HMR) is a more comprehensive service conducted in your home by an accredited pharmacist and does require a GP referral. HMRs are typically for patients with more complex medication needs or those who have difficulty getting to a pharmacy. There is also a Diabetes MedsCheck, which focuses specifically on type 2 diabetes medicines and blood glucose monitoring.
How to Book
Simply walk into your local community pharmacy and ask if they offer MedsCheck services. Most pharmacies participate in the program. You do not need to make an appointment in advance, though calling ahead is helpful so the pharmacist can set aside time for you. Bring all your current medicines (including non-prescription ones) to the consultation. There is no paperwork you need to prepare beforehand, and the pharmacist will handle the consent and documentation.
Combine with Other PBS Savings
A MedsCheck is a great opportunity to ask your pharmacist about other ways to save on your medicines. During the consultation, you can discuss whether any of your medications qualify for 60-day dispensing, whether generic alternatives are available, and whether you are tracking toward the PBS Safety Net threshold. You can also use the co-payment calculator to estimate your annual costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a MedsCheck?
A MedsCheck is a free, government-funded one-on-one consultation with a pharmacist to review your medications. During the session, your pharmacist will go through all the medicines you take, explain what each one does, check for potential interactions or duplications, and help you understand how to take them correctly. The service is funded under the Community Pharmacy Agreement between the Australian Government and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
Who is eligible for a MedsCheck?
To be eligible, you must hold a Medicare card or Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) card, and you must not have had a MedsCheck, Diabetes MedsCheck, Home Medicines Review (HMR), or Residential Medication Management Review (RMMR) in the previous 12 months. The service is particularly beneficial for people taking multiple medications, but there is no strict minimum number of medicines required.
How much does a MedsCheck cost?
A MedsCheck is completely free to you. The Australian Government pays the pharmacy directly for providing the service. You do not need a referral from your doctor, and there is no out-of-pocket cost.
What is the difference between MedsCheck and a Home Medicines Review?
A MedsCheck is conducted in the pharmacy and does not require a doctor's referral. It is a shorter, focused review of your medicines. A Home Medicines Review (HMR) is a more comprehensive review conducted in your home by an accredited pharmacist, and it does require a referral from your doctor. Both are free, but they serve different purposes and have different eligibility criteria.
How often can I get a MedsCheck?
You can receive one MedsCheck (or Diabetes MedsCheck) per 12-month period. The 12-month clock starts from the date of your last MedsCheck, Diabetes MedsCheck, HMR, or RMMR. If it has been more than 12 months since any of these services, you are eligible again.
Check your PBS costs with medicine·saver
Search your medication to find generics, check 60-day eligibility, and calculate your Safety Net.
Search MedicinesGeneral information only, not medical or financial advice. Prices shown are standard PBS co-payments as published by the Australian Government Department of Health. Actual costs may vary. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice specific to your situation. Data sourced from PBS.gov.au.