Summary of Item Changes

The following changes will take effect from 1 November 2013 (updated 31 October 2013):

New Items
63551 63552 63554 63555 63557 63558 63560 63561

Notes

Improving access to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services

The Australian Government believes all Australians should have access to an affordable, quality health care system regardless of whether they live in the city or in regional areas. This includes ensuring patients have continued access to affordable and convenient diagnostic imaging services such as Medicare-eligible MRI services.

Improving access to Medicare-eligible MRI items:

As of 1 November 2013, GP requesting rights for a small set of clinically appropriate MRI indications will be extended to all patients 16 years of age and older.
Extending MRI requesting rights to GPs is aimed at reducing patients exposure to unnecessary radiation associated with other types of diagnostic imaging like computed tomography (CT) scans and to increase patient’s access to Medicare-eligible MRI services to assist in the timely diagnosis of specific conditions.
Four GP MRI requested items for all patients 16 years of age and older were developed with the assistance of an Expert Working Group which was established to provide advice to the department on the appropriate indications for the proposed new items.

Changes effective 27 November 2013

General Medical Services Table

Amendment to items 36851 and 37339
Items 36851 and 37339 have been amended to restrict the claiming of either item in association with item 18375, which is for the use of botulinum toxin injections for urinary incontinence (UI), due to neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO).

Inclusion of estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) measurement to the Diabetes Cycle of Care
At least one measurement of the patients estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), has been added to the minimum requirements for the annual Diabetes Cycle of Care for the Diabetes Service Incentive Payment (SIP)