In a win for the audiology sector, the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) brain stem evoked audiometry item can be co-claimed with vestibular assessment items from 1 July 2024.
The change will save patients money and make it easier for them to access the services.
The Department of Health and Aged Care announced last week in May 2024 that co-claiming restrictions for the items would be removed and they could be claimed together “where clinically relevant for a patient’s circumstances”.
The department said changes to items 11300, 11340, 11341 and 11343 were recommended by the Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Implementation Liaison Group (ILG) which included audiology representation. This followed the 1 March 2023 implementation of new and amended items as part of the MBS Taskforce Review of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery items.
The ILG advised there were clinically acceptable reasons for performing brain stem evoked audiometry (item 11300) at the same time as vestibular assessment (items 11340, 11341 or 11343).
The department’s updated factsheet on otolaryngology and diagnostic audiology changes states “the removal of co-claiming restriction from items 11340, 11341 and 11343 with item 11300 will allow for providers to co-claim these services, where clinically relevant for a patient’s circumstances”.
“Subject to the passage of legislation, effective 1 July 2024, there will be amendments to the co-claiming restrictions for four items for diagnostic audiology services,” it said.
The changes are:
- Item 11300 (evoked audiometry) will be amended to remove co-claiming restrictions with vestibular assessment items 11340, 11341 and 11343.
- Items 11340, 11341 and 11343 will be amended to remove the co-claiming restriction with item 11300.
The department factsheet did not further define “clinically relevant for a patient’s circumstances.”
Major win for the sector
Audiology Australia (AudA) said the outcome was a “major win for the audiology sector” and came after a long consultation with Audiology Australia’s policy and advocacy team, and government and key stakeholders in the hearing health sector including several AudA members.
“For audiology clients, the changes will make accessing diagnostic audiology services easier and more affordable if a brain stem evoked audiometry and a vestibular assessment are required,” AudA said.
Independent Audiologists Australia (IAA) said it had lobbied persistently and worked hard to achieve the change and was pleased to see the department taking its feedback into consideration.
“We’ll continue to advocate on behalf of members and their patients in this important area,” IAA said.
The ILG was established in November 2020 and includes representatives from Audiology Australia, Independent Audiologists Australia, the Australian Medical Association, Australasian Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Laryngology Society of Australia and Private Healthcare Australia.
The department reminded that use of the amended items would be monitored and reviewed post-implementation.
‘’All otolaryngology and diagnostic audiology items will continue to be subject to MBS compliance processes and activities, including random and targeted audits which may require a provider to submit evidence about the services claimed,” the factsheet stated.
“Significant variation from forecasted expenditure may warrant review and amendment of fees, and incorrect use of MBS items can result in penalties including the health professional being asked to repay monies that have been incorrectly received.”
Audiology Australia has uploaded the department’s factsheet on the changes to its website.
Full item descriptors can be found on the MBS Online.
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