Cardio-thoracic procedures: Co-claiming restrictions on Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) items 38511 and 45018

From 1 March 2026, MBS items 38511 and 45018 will be amended. These changes will prevent co-claiming of item 45018 with item 38502 during the same episode. It will also permit claiming of item 38511 once with item 38502 in the same episode of care. These changes will ensure Medicare benefits are paid appropriately to patients.

Further information can be found in the factsheet below:

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