The 1 March 2013 MBS files - now available for download
The 1 March 2013 MBS files can now be downloaded from the 1 March 2013 downloads page.
The following changes will take effect from 1 March 2013 (updated 11 February 2013):
Summary Of Changes
New item
11244 32023 37245
Amended Description
133 2100 2122 2126 2137 2143 2147 2195 2199 11503 11602 11604 11605 11708 11709 11820 33806
Notes
Item 32023
Item 32023 has been added to the MBS to reflect the fact that the insertion of colonic stents provides a safe, effective and cost effective treatment for malignant bowel obstructions.
It will be effective from 1 March 2013.
New prostate treatment item - HoLEP
The Australian Government has approved Medicare rebates for a new treatment for benign enlargement of the prostate. Called Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP), it involves complete removal of the enlarged prostate gland, via the urethra. HoLEP is used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), which is non-cancerous growth of tissue that causes enlargement of the prostate, leading to urinary obstruction. Untreated BPH may result in damage to normal function of the bladder and kidneys. HoLEP is less invasive than other currently available treatments and will reduce the length of hospital stay for patients. Around 500 patients each year will benefit from this new service.
New ophthalmology item - B-scan
The Australian Government has approved Medicare rebates for a new MBS item for ophthalmologists. Called a B(brightness)-scan (or B-scan) ultrasound, ophthalmologists will use this service to diagnose various ocular diseases, without the need for referral to a radiologist. The new item is similar to existing MBS items 55030 and 55031.