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 & 59504 | Pelvimetry |
59736 & 59737 | Vasoepididymography is an x-ray to assess obstruction of the seminal tract impacting on infertility |
59760 & 59761 | Peritoneogram is a CT to diagnose occult hernia |
61465 & 61711 | Venography is an x-ray to diagnose deep vein thrombosis |
11321 | Klockoff’s test |
18246 | Glossopharyngeal nerve injection |
41680 | Cryotherapy for nasal haemorrhage |
41695 | Cryotherapy to nasal turbinates |
41758 | Division of pharyngeal adhesions |
41761 | Direct examination of larynx with biopsy |
41849 | Examination of the post nasal space |
41852 | Direct examination of larynx with removal of tumour |
13500 | Gastric hypothermia in the absence of gastrointestinal haemorrhage |
13503 | Gastric hypothermia for upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage |
32078 | Sigmoidoscopy is an examination of the large intestine with diathermy or the removal of polyps |
32081 | Sigmoidoscopy is an examination of the large intestine with diathermy or the removal of polyps |
16504 | Injection of hormones to manage habitual miscarriage |
11500 | Bronchospirometry for measuring lung function |
Items to be restricted to patients under 16-years of age from 1 July 2016:
59715 & 59716 | Bronchography is an x-ray of the larynx, trachea or bronchi |