Clarification of Level C and D MBS Items
Dear Doctor
I am writing to advise you that following the intervention of the AMA, the Department of Health and Ageing has issued a fact sheet confirming that GPs may bill the Level C and D consultation items for those patients who attend with a series of medical issues – provided the relevant time requirement is met.
There has been a lot of uncertainty in general practice since this issue was raised in the 2006/07 Professional Services Review Report to the Professions released earlier this year. Many GPs were concerned with the commentary in the Report suggesting that Level C/D items should not be used for patients who attend with a “shopping list” of medical issues.
The AMA has always maintained the position that GPs have been correctly billing these items. Consultations with patients who attend with a series of medical issues invariably take longer and involve a significant level of clinical input and judgement overall.
Since the PSR Report, the AMA has received many letters from members about this issue. It was also a topic of heated discussion during the most recent AMA National Conference. I have taken this issue up personally with strong backing from the AMA Council of General Practice.
I am delighted that I can now reassure GPs that this issue has been resolved. The information in the Department of Health and Ageing’s fact sheet confirms that GPs have been billing these items in an entirely appropriate fashion. This is also a good result for patients who will receive the most appropriate rebate for the care they require.
The Department of Health and Ageing has highlighted the need for GPs to comprehensively and contemporaneously document the clinical considerations given to each issue when presented with a series of medical issues. Provided GPs adhere to this they should have nothing to fear from the PSR.
The AMA welcomes the Department of Health and Ageing’s decision to clarify this matter. This is a commonsense outcome and is a show of support for GPs who do a great job looking after people in difficult circumstances. The relevant fact sheet will be available next week from www.health.gov.au/mbsonline.
Yours sincerely
Dr Rosanna Capolingua
President