MBS Update: New item numbers from July 1st 2011
- A better start for children with a disability—Early Intervention
The Better Start for Children with Disability initiative will give eligible children access to Medicare benefits for intensive early intervention therapies and treatments from participating expert health professionals. Around 20 000 children diagnosed with sight and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome will benefit from this measure.
Where do I go for more information?
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/about/news/2011/Pages/better_start_16062011.aspx
http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/provider/budget-2011/better-start.jsp#N10009
- Introducing telehealth
The telehealth initiative introduces 11 new MBS items for video consultations provided by specialists, consultant physicians and psychiatrists. These new items will allow 55 existing MBS attendance items across these medical specialties to be undertaken by video conference. In addition, 23 new MBS items have been developed to let medical practitioners, nurse practitioners, midwives, Aboriginal Health Workers and practice nurses provide clinical assistance at the patient end during the video consultation with the specialist, when assistance is clinically necessary.
Where do I go for more information?
There is a comprehensive Question and Answers available at www.mbsonline.gov.au > Telehealth
Detailed information on telehealth is also available from the Department of Health and Ageing at www.mbsonline.gov.au > Telehealth including:
• telehealth program guidelines
• maps on eligible telehealth geographical areas
• MBS telehealth items
• contact information for policy enquiries
For general information about telehealth call 132 150. For information about incentive payments call 1800 222 032 or email telehealth@medicareaustralia.gov.au
