A number of changes will be introduced to the management of the MBS from 1 January 2010. New MBS items will be listed for a time-limited period, usually for three years. Under these new processes, revisions to existing MBS items may be considered to be new MBS items and be subject to time-limited listing, depending on the particular service. These items will be clearly identified as time-limited on the MBS Online website. An evaluation plan to assess the performance of the service will be agreed at the time of listing. The evaluation of the item following the time-limited period will inform potential changes to the item, which could include item deletion, item descriptor amendment and/or revisions of the item fee. Relevant program areas in the Department will work with stakeholders to assist them in the application process, including development of the evaluation plan.
The process for listing MBS items will include new arrangements to determine the appropriate fee for an MBS item to ensure MBS rebates reflect current evidence.
These new processes will align with the work of the Medical Services Advisory Committee, which will continue to assess new medical technologies and procedures.
In addition, a framework will be established to review existing MBS items to ensure they are based on evidence, best clinical practice and are priced appropriately. Criteria will be developed to initially prioritise MBS services for review. Any submissions for review of existing items will be considered in the context of this framework and their relative priority. The Department will work with stakeholders in the development of this framework and in the conduct of the specific reviews.
Further information about the MBS Quality Framework is available at: http://www.health.gov.au/mbrtg.
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.