New item for Cryopreservation of Semen

Cryopreservation of Semen - Item 13260 - Factsheet (PDF 162 KB)
Cryopreservation of Semen - Item 13260 - Factsheet (DOC 516 KB)

What are the changes?

From 1 November 2018, there will be a new MBS funded item (13260), for the cryopreservation of semen to preserve fertility in post-pubertal males undergoing gonadotoxic treatment.

Why are the changes being made?

The listing of this item was recommended by the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) in November 2017. Further details about the MSAC Application can be found at the MSAC website.

What does this mean for providers?

Specialists and consultant physicians managing post pubertal males undergoing gonadotoxic treatment will be able to refer patients to appropriate medical practitioners, to undertake MBS funded cryopreservation of semen prior to the initiation of treatment, or prior to further treatment in the case of relapse.

What does this mean for patients?

Specialists and consultant physicians will now be able to inform their patients that there is an MBS service for cryopreservation of semen, should they wish to explore fertility preservation.

Medical practitioners providing the cryopreservation service can inform their patients that the new MBS service covers the initial cryopreservation of semen, not ongoing storage. The service involves patients undergoing a 'collection cycle' which may include obtaining up to 3 semen samples across alternate days.

The item is claimable twice per person per lifetime, to account for patients who may experience relapse and require additional treatment.

When will this change be reviewed?

The Department of Health regularly reviews the usage of new and amended MBS items in consultation with the profession.

All MBS items may be subject to compliance processes and activities, including random and targeted audits which may require a provider to submit information about the services claimed.

Significant variation from forecasted expenditure may warrant review and amendment of fees, and incorrect use of MBS items can result in penalties including the health professional being asked to repay monies that have been incorrectly received.

Where can I find more information?

The full item descriptor and information on other changes to the MBS can be found at the MBS Online website or by calling the Department of Human Services on 132 150.

New items

(Draft wording of items to be finalised through regulatory amendments)