As you would know, a new rule (113A) was introduced to the Health Insurance (General Medical Services Table) Regulations (GMST) on 1 September 2007 to clarify item 35321 cannot be billed for endovenous laser treatment (ELT). From 1 May 2009, existing rule 113A will be expanded to clarify that radiofrequency diathermy/ablation is also prohibited under item 35321, and that ELT and/or radiofrequency diathermy/ablation is also prohibited under varicose vein items 32500 to 32517.
In addition, from 1 May 2009, item 35321 will include a minor amendment to fully reflect requirements under rule 113A; specifically that item 35321 cannot be billed for varicose veins.
As you would be aware, there is currently no Medicare coverage for ELT. You may be aware that the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) evaluated ELT in 2008 and recommended it for public funding. The Department is currently working collaboratively with the profession to progress the possible MBS listing of an item for ELT.
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Created on 05 March 2009.
Consultation Paper - Perfusion Services
The Department of Health and Ageing has released a consultation paper and is seeking submissions from interested parties on the current Medicare arrangements for the payment of whole body perfusion (cardiac bypass), using the heart-lung machine or equivalent under the MBS Item 22060 by 1 August 2010.
The May 2010 Medicare Benefits Schedule
The January 2010 Medicare Benefits Schedule
Incorporating 1 February 2010 cataract surgery item fee amendments
The November 2009 Medicare Benefits Schedule
The MBS software files are available to download
MBS Online - Top 10 created publications
The top 10 most popular created publications created by MBS Online users available to download now.