What do the MBS item number changes mean for patients?

You may have heard about the changes in Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item numbers for colonoscopy or have received puzzling phone calls from your health care providers.

But what does it all mean for you the consumer?

Previously all colonoscopies were subsidised by two MBS item numbers:

32090 and 32093.

Recently these two item numbers have been changed to eight numbers:

32222, 32223, 32224, 32225, 32226, 32227, 32228 and 32229.

Healthcare providers need to provide the appropriate MBS item number before a colonoscopy is done.

In most cases this is not a problem, but when you have had multiple colonoscopies over a short space of time, the reason for it needs to be very clear so subsidy occurs appropriately.

• Keep a record of dates and results of your procedures and any test results of samples  (histology or pathology reports) taken at the time.
• Take the results with you if a repeat colonoscopy is recommended
• Remember who did your procedure and where so results can be obtained in the future if needed.
• Another way to know when you have had previous tests, is to look at your Medicare records, available online.
• Make sure you ask when a colonoscopy is recommended if you will be eligible for an MBS item number and what that number is at the time of booking.

• To find out about the Medicare Benefits Schedule click here
• To find out how to access Medicare online click here
• To view an information sheet on the MBS item numbers follow this link: Factsheet – Colonoscopy services