Medicare/MBS
Letters for patients regarding the removal of the MBS joint injection item numbers 50124 and 50125 now available
In the 2009-10 Federal Budget the government removed the MBS item numbers 50124 and 50125 for injection into a joint or other synovial cavity.
MBS reform - a first step in the right direction
On 14 December 2009 the Federal Government announced changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) in a first step to simplify the schedule, remove red tape and to encourage preventative care.
Referrals
RACGP enquiry (dated 11 November 2008). GPs have reported making referrals to the Outpatient Department of a public hospital, addressed to 'Dear Doctor', with the result that the hospital is changing the referral to a specific doctor. It has been reported that the hospital rarely confers with the referring doctor about the change.
Preventive health care and the Medicare Benefits Schedule
RACGP enquiry (dated 29 October 2008). Three case scenarios were provided. Medicare Australia was asked whether the patient could claim a rebate (and if so what could be claimed). Medicare Australia was also asked to comment on whether a patient could claim a rebate following a proactive strategy by a GP to reach out to patients who have not recently had important evidence-based preventive health screening.
RACGP 2007 MBS Fee summaries
The RACGP has developed two summaries for use by GPs or appropriate practice staff, for claiming services under the Medicare Benefits Schedule.
Medicare Benefits Schedule Online Database Guide
The Department of Health and Ageing has an online database of all the items in the Medicare Benefits Schedule that can be viewed using a variety of search functions.
