Extension of COVID Pathology Items

What are the changes?
The Australian Government is extending the listing of the following temporary Medicare bulk-billed pathology test items for COVID-19 until 31 March 2021:
• Item 69479: COVID-19 microbiology test undertaken for a private patient in a recognised (public) hospital or by a prescribed laboratory, with a schedule fee of $50.00.
• Item 69480: COVID-19 microbiology test for any other patient undertaken in a private laboratory, with a schedule fee of $100.00.
• Item 69501: COVID-19 microbiology test for essential workers, including staff of residential and in-home aged care providers in Victoria and interstate freight workers, with a schedule fee of $110.00.

From 22 September 2020, persons employed, hired, retained or contracted to travel interstate as a rail crew members will be able to access the essential workers Item 69501.

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