Digitisation of Assignment of Benefits and Introduction of the Sender ID Register. Here’s what it all means when you add it together.

So, you’ve read “Modernising the Assignment of Benefit” Part 1 and Part 2, and “What you need to know about the new Sender ID Registry” and are fully aware that from 1 July 2026, two significant but separate regulatory changes will reshape how your practice manages assignment of benefits and how you communicate with your patients. Now it’s time to take a look at how it all fits together, what the impact and benefits will be for your patients, and what you can start doing now in your practice to start preparing.

Blending it all together

An electronic alternative to the current paper-based system for collecting a patient’s assignment of Medicare benefit coincides with the introduction of the SMS Sender ID Register. What this means for your practice, when it comes to assignment of benefits, is that only registered sender IDs will appear as branded messages on your patients’ devices. Messages from unregistered IDs will be labelled “unverified” and unverified messages may be grouped together to alert users to potential scams.

There’s a real possibility that your patient may miss their assignment of benefit SMS where you don’t have a registered sender ID.

Here’s an example:

You’re likely going to find yourself in one of the following four scenarios:

1. 1. I have Bp Comms and we ONLY use it for appointment reminders.
   2. I have Bp Comms and would like to use all available SMS features.
   3. I don’t have Bp Comms at all, but I would like to see what is available.
   4. I don’t have Bp Comms and have no intention of using it.

Depending on which scenario relates to your practice, there are some things you can do now yourself, and some steps the team here at Best Practice will help you with. As a general rule, if you send SMS messages other than appointment reminders, or you intend to use assignment of benefit by SMS from 1 July, we recommend taking steps now in preparation. 

1. 1. I have Bp Comms and it is ONLY used for appointment reminders

Two-way message types like appointment reminders, where the patient can reply, do not yet require a registered Sender ID. Practices that only send Appointment Reminder SMS messages from Bp Premier are exempt from these changes. If, for consistency, you would prefer a dedicated number for this service, our Account Management team are happy to assist you with this at any time. There is a one-off $99 ex-GST charge for this service. However, it allows your patients to save this number in their phone as it will be used for all reminders. If you intend on using electronic AoB via Bp Comms please see point 2 below.

2. I have Bp Comms and would like to use all available SMS features, including electronic AoB 

In the coming weeks, our Account Management team will be emailing all of our current Bp Comms customers to collect the details required for their Sender ID and ACMA registration. Once the registration is approved, you will receive an email about setting up an AMCA Assist account. If you are struggling with creating an ACMA Assist account, you can contact the ACMA on 1300 850 115 or via email [email protected]. 

 3. I don’t have Bp Comms at all, but I would like to see what is available

These billing changes closely align with the capabilities of Bp Comms, our integrated communication tool within Bp Premier. Bp Comms enables practices to send SMS messages directly from the clinical workflow, supporting appointment reminders, follow-ups, and broader patient engagement initiatives. With built-in features such as automated messaging, reusable templates, consent recording, and detailed contact notes, Bp Comms creates a complete audit trail of patient communications. Our Team are always happy to help you get started with Bp Comms. Please reach out to them on 1300 40 1111 or email [email protected]. 

4. I don’t have Bp Comms and have no intention of using it currently

There is no preparation required from you. If you ever wish to explore Bp Comms for your practice in future, you are more than welcome to contact our Account Management team at any time to discuss your options on 1300 40 1111 or email [email protected].

This short video summarises the process from Best Practice contacting you through completing the required form and the final steps.  

What else can I do to prepare?

To continue to prepare for these changes ahead of the deadline, we also recommend practices commence the following:

• • Check you have a valid authorised contact for your ABN on the Australian Business Register (ABR):
    • Check the Primary contact name, email and phone number.
    • This authorised contact will be responsible for receiving communications and instructions from the ACMA and completing the registration process.
  • Do you have a Practice website or online presence on a social media platform?
    • This helps verify your organisation’s legitimacy during the registration process.
  • Ensure patient mobile numbers and email addresses are current in your software.
  • Educate your team on the Assignment of Benefit and Sender ID register changes that are coming so that they might commence talking to your patients. Best Practice is working hard to bring you free educational materials in advance: keep an eye on our FAQ page for answers and helpful resources for your practice.  
  • Keep up to date with your Best Practice communications, and remember to check out our Knowledge Base for regular updates.

A More Secure and Efficient Future

Best Practice will release a new version of Bp Premier, called Oxford, which will accommodate these assignment of benefit changes. There’s lots of education material and webinars coming soon, but in the meantime, by taking the above steps, you’re well and truly on the front foot of these changes.

Together, these reforms represent forward steps of a significant modernisation of Australia’s healthcare processes. By digitising the assignment of benefits process and strengthening SMS security, DoHDA and ACMA are creating a more efficient, transparent, and secure communication channel for both practices and patients.