The National Cervical Screening Program changes are in effect from today
As of today (1 December), the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) changes are in effect. Further information on the changes and resources to support GPs can be found at www.cancerscreening.gov.au/cervical. Online accredited training modules to inform understanding of renewal are available at https://learn.nps.org.au/
The National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) will be live from today. The NCSR will receive and store the new Cervical Screening Test results. However, state and territory registers will continue to provide patients’ (pre 1 December) clinical screening histories until their transition to the NCSR in early 2018. Results post 1 December from the NCSR will be facilitated through a single call to the appropriate local numbers:
QLD | 1800 777 790 |
NSW | 1800 671 693 or 02 8374 5692 (direct local number) |
SA | 1800 901 112 |
VIC | 03 9250 0399 |
WA, NT, and TAS | 13 15 56 |
ACT | 02 6205 1545 |
Post 1 December results can be accessed by calling the National Cancer Screening Register on 1800 627 701.
Pap tests will no longer be eligible for a Medicare rebate.
New pathology Medicare Benefits Schedule item numbers for cervical screening performed from 1 December are 73070, 73071, 73072, 73073, 73074, 73075 and 73076. The former six pap test items (69418, 69419, 73053, 73055, 73057 and 73069) have been removed from the Pathology Services Table. To avoid out-of-pocket costs for patients, follow the clinical information found on the back cover table of Understanding the National Cervical Screening Program Management Pathway: A Guide for Healthcare Providers.
Mandatory reporting is required from colposcopists to notify prescribed cervical screening information to the CMO within 14 days of each colposcopic episode through submitting a Colposcopy and Treatment Form through the NCSR. Forms can be downloaded here. Once completed, mail or fax forms to the National Cervical Screening Program, Reply Paid 90964, SUNSHINE VIC 3020.
