Removal of obsolete Medicare Benefits Schedule items

Page last updated: 04 May 2016

From 1 July 2016 twenty-four items will be removed from the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and two diagnostic imaging items will be restricted to patients under 16-years of age. These changes have been made based on the recommendation of the independent MBS Review Taskforce (the Taskforce). Further information about the Taskforce is available on the Department of Health website: http://www.health.gov.au/healthiermedicare

Items to be removed from 1 July 2016:

Item Short descriptor
58924 & 58926 Graham’s test is an x-ray of the gallbladder
59503 & 59504Pelvimetry
59736 & 59737Vasoepididymography is an x-ray to assess obstruction of the seminal tract impacting on infertility
59760 & 59761Peritoneogram is a CT to diagnose occult hernia
61465 & 61711Venography is an x-ray to diagnose deep vein thrombosis
11321Klockoff’s test
18246Glossopharyngeal nerve injection
41680Cryotherapy for nasal haemorrhage
41695Cryotherapy to nasal turbinates
41758Division of pharyngeal adhesions
41761Direct examination of larynx with biopsy
41849Examination of the post nasal space
41852Direct examination of larynx with removal of tumour
13500Gastric hypothermia in the absence of gastrointestinal haemorrhage
13503Gastric hypothermia for upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage
32078Sigmoidoscopy is an examination of the large intestine with diathermy or the removal of polyps
32081Sigmoidoscopy is an examination of the large intestine with diathermy or the removal of polyps
16504Injection of hormones to manage habitual miscarriage
11500Bronchospirometry for measuring lung function

Items to be restricted to patients under 16-years of age from 1 July 2016:

59715 & 59716Bronchography is an x-ray of the larynx, trachea or bronchi