Group P3: Microbiology
67 items with their schedule fees and Medicare benefits.
| Item | Fee | 75% | Out of hospital |
|---|---|---|---|
| 69300Microscopy examination of patient-obtained wet film samples (non-blood) from one or more sites, including differential cell counts, dermatophyte identification, dark ground illumination, or stained preparations. | $12.50 | $9.40 | $10.65 (85%) |
| 69303Culture and microscopy of swabs from nasal, throat, eye or ear sites to identify pathogens and test antibiotic susceptibility, excluding epidemiological surveillance specimens. | $22.00 | $16.50 | $18.70 (85%) |
| 69306Microscopy and culture of skin or superficial site samples to identify pathogens and test antibiotic susceptibility, including optional fungal or mycobacterial testing. | $33.75 | $25.35 | $28.70 (85%) |
| 69309Microscopy and culture of skin scrapings, hair, nails, or biopsies to identify dermatophytes and other fungi causing skin disease, including antigen detection or additional specified tests; up to multiple specimens. | $48.15 | $36.15 | $40.95 (85%) |
| 69312Microscopy and culture of urethral, vaginal, cervical or rectal specimens to identify pathogens and test antibiotic susceptibility, excluding faecal pathogens. | $33.75 | $25.35 | $28.70 (85%) |
| 69316Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis by any approved laboratory method, limited to one test per episode. | $28.65 | $21.50 | $24.40 (85%) |
| 69317Item 69494: Quantitative urine albumin measurement to assess kidney function in patients with diabetes or hypertension. Item 69316: Serum or plasma glucose measurement for diabetes screening, diagnosis, or monitoring. | $35.85 | $26.90 | $30.50 (85%) |
| 69318Microscopy and culture of sputum to identify pathogenic micro-organisms and determine antibiotic susceptibility, excluding specimens already covered under related respiratory pathology items. | $33.75 | $25.35 | $28.70 (85%) |
| 69319Item 69494: Two tests for faecal immunochemical detection of blood, subject to Rule 26 frequency limitations. Item 69316: Single faecal immunochemical test for blood detection, subject to Rule 26 frequency limitations. | $42.95 | $32.25 | $36.55 (85%) |
| 69321Microscopy and culture of clinical specimens (post-op wounds, body cavity aspirates, synovial or cerebrospinal fluid, operative or biopsy samples) for pathogenic organisms using aerobic and anaerobic cultures, including pathogen identification and an… | $48.15 | $36.15 | $40.95 (85%) |
| 69324Microscopy and culture of sputum, urine, or body/biopsy specimens for mycobacteria, with identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing if needed. | $43.00 | $32.25 | $36.55 (85%) |
| 69325Pathology test for blood glucose, lipids, liver/kidney function, or full blood count performed by an accredited pathology practitioner under referral, subject to MBS rebate restrictions. | $43.00 | $32.25 | $36.55 (85%) |
| 69327Microscopy with staining and culture of 2 sputum, urine, body fluid, or tissue specimens to detect mycobacteria, plus any bacterial pathogens found and their antibiotic susceptibilities. | $85.00 | $63.75 | $72.25 (85%) |
| 69328Pathology test performed by an accredited pathology practitioner, subject to standard frequency and referral limitations under MBS Rule 18. | $85.00 | $63.75 | $72.25 (85%) |
| 69330Microscopy and culture of 3 sputum, urine, body fluid, or biopsy specimens to detect mycobacteria, with optional bacterial identification and susceptibility testing. | $128.00 | $96.00 | $108.80 (85%) |
| 69331Pathology test for receiving allied health professional under rule 18; eligible when referred by doctor for specific conditions within scope of practice. | $128.00 | $96.00 | $108.80 (85%) |
| 69333Urine examination including cell count, culture, and pathogen identification for patients with UTI symptoms, kidney disease, pregnancy, age under 16, renal transplant, recurrent UTIs, kidney monitoring, or urological procedures. | $20.55 | $15.45 | $17.50 (85%) |
| 69336Stool microscopy with concentration technique to detect parasites, ova and cysts, including stains or antigen detection for cryptosporidia and giardia; limited to 1 test per 7 days. | $33.45 | $25.10 | $28.45 (85%) |
| 69339Microscopy examination of faeces for parasites using concentration techniques on a second specimen collected within 7 days of initial examination, limited to one examination per 7-day period. | $19.10 | $14.35 | $16.25 (85%) |
| 69345Faecal culture and microscopy for bacterial pathogens using selective media and multiple atmospheres, plus pathogen ID, antibiotic testing, and optional toxin detection; limited to one examination per 7 days. | $52.90 | $39.70 | $45.00 (85%) |
| 69354Blood culture to identify bacteria or fungi and test antibiotic susceptibility, maximum 1 set of cultures. | $30.75 | $23.10 | $26.15 (85%) |
| 69357Culture of material from two sites (e.g. wound, urine, sputum) to identify bacterial pathogens and determine antibiotic susceptibility. | $61.45 | $46.10 | $52.25 (85%) |
| 69360Pathology service involving collection and culture of specimens from up to three anatomical sites to identify microorganisms and guide treatment. | $92.20 | $69.15 | $78.40 (85%) |
| 69363Detection of Clostridium difficile or its toxin via laboratory testing, excluding cases where a specific prior service (item 69345) has already been performed. | $28.65 | $21.50 | $24.40 (85%) |
| 69378HIV viral load test (RNA quantitation) in plasma or serum for monitoring untreated HIV-positive patients; covers one or more tests per service occasion. | $180.25 | $135.20 | $153.25 (85%) |
| 69379Pathology test performed by an accredited pathology practitioner; multiple tests permitted; subject to rule 18 frequency restrictions. | $180.25 | $135.20 | $153.25 (85%) |
| 69380Genotypic HIV resistance testing when viral load exceeds 1,000 copies/ml at presentation, pre-treatment, or treatment failure; maximum 2 tests per 12 months. | $770.30 | $577.75 | $665.80 (85%) |
| 69381HIV viral load testing (plasma or serum) to monitor antiretroviral therapy response in HIV-positive patients; one or more tests permitted per specimen collection. | $180.25 | $135.20 | $153.25 (85%) |
| 69382HIV viral RNA load test in cerebrospinal fluid for HIV-positive patients to monitor central nervous system infection. | $180.25 | $135.20 | $153.25 (85%) |
| 69383Pathology test on one or more specimens performed by an accredited pathology practice, subject to MBS rule 18 restrictions. | $180.25 | $135.20 | $153.25 (85%) |
| 69384Quantitation of a single antibody test to microbial antigens not covered elsewhere in the Schedule, where this is the only test ordered or one test is performed while others are referred to another laboratory. | $15.65 | $11.75 | $13.35 (85%) |
| 69387Testing for 2 antibody estimations performed by a single laboratory or multiple laboratories within the same APA, with remaining estimations referred to a separate APA laboratory. | $29.00 | $21.75 | $24.65 (85%) |
| 69390Single pathology provider performs three specified antibody estimations, or performs three of the antibodies and refers remaining tests to another provider's laboratory. | $42.35 | $31.80 | $36.00 (85%) |
| 69393Four antibody estimations performed by a single laboratory or multiple laboratories of the same APA, with any remaining antibody tests referred to a separate APA laboratory. | $55.70 | $41.80 | $47.35 (85%) |
| 69396Pathology testing involving 5 or more estimations from a specified panel, performed by a single laboratory or multiple laboratories within the same APA, with referral of remaining tests to a separate APA laboratory if needed. | $69.10 | $51.85 | $58.75 (85%) |
| 69400Initial pathology test by an Allied Health Professional (APP) without prior tests from the referring APP; subject to frequency and referral restrictions. | $15.65 | $11.75 | $13.35 (85%) |
| 69401Allied health professional can perform up to 4 pathology tests (excluding the specific test in item 69400) per patient episode. | $13.35 | $10.05 | $11.35 (85%) |
| 69405Routine microbiological serology testing during pregnancy to determine immunity status and screen for rubella, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and HIV, excluding testing for intercurrent illness or specific infectious disease exposure. | $15.65 | $11.75 | $13.35 (85%) |
| 69408Routine serology testing during pregnancy including rubella immunity, syphilis, hepatitis B/C, and HIV status, plus optional additional testing if clinically indicated. | $29.00 | $21.75 | $24.65 (85%) |
| 69411Routine microbiological serology during pregnancy including rubella immunity, syphilis, Hepatitis B/C and HIV testing; additional testing permitted for specific clinical indications or contacts. | $42.35 | $31.80 | $36.00 (85%) |
| 69413Routine microbiological serology testing during pregnancy, including rubella immunity, syphilis, Hepatitis B/C, and HIV antibody tests, plus optional confirmatory testing if required. | $55.70 | $41.80 | $47.35 (85%) |
| 69415Routine microbiological serology testing during pregnancy including rubella immunity, syphilis, Hepatitis B/C and HIV status, plus optional additional testing for specific infections if clinically indicated. | $69.10 | $51.85 | $58.75 (85%) |
| 69421Respiratory pathogen nucleic acid testing from nasal, throat, nasopharyngeal or lower respiratory samples for up to 4 pathogens. | $78.25 | $58.70 | $66.55 (85%) |
| 69422Respiratory pathogen nucleic acid detection from nasal, throat, nasopharyngeal or lower respiratory samples, testing 5 or more pathogens in a single specimen. | $85.55 | $64.20 | $72.75 (85%) |
| 69445RNA test to monitor Hepatitis C viral load during antiviral treatment, up to 4 tests per 12 months. | $92.20 | $69.15 | $78.40 (85%) |
| 69451Pathology test performed by an accredited pathology practitioner; one test per occasion, subject to frequency and referral rules. | $92.20 | $69.15 | $78.40 (85%) |
| 69471Interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) blood test to detect latent tuberculosis infection in people exposed to active TB, living with HIV, starting TNF inhibitors, beginning dialysis, with silicosis, or becoming immunosuppressed. | $34.90 | $26.20 | $29.70 (85%) |
| 69472Serological test to detect antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus, typically used to diagnose acute or past EBV infection. | $15.65 | $11.75 | $13.35 (85%) |
| 69474Serology testing for Epstein-Barr virus antibodies when 2 or more tests are performed to detect current or past infection. | $28.65 | $21.50 | $24.40 (85%) |
| 69475Blood test for hepatitis A, B, C or D antibodies or antigens to assess immunity status or detect viral carriage after exposure or vaccination. | $15.65 | $11.75 | $13.35 (85%) |
| 69478Initial or follow-up urinalysis and urine culture to diagnose or monitor urinary tract infection, with results reported within 2 working days. | $29.25 | $21.95 | $24.90 (85%) |
| 69481Testing for hepatitis antibodies or antigens (up to 3 tests) to investigate infectious causes of acute or chronic hepatitis. | $40.55 | $30.45 | $34.50 (85%) |
| 69482Quantifies Hepatitis B viral DNA level in HBsAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B not currently on antiviral therapy; limited to 1 test. | $152.10 | $114.10 | $129.30 (85%) |
| 69483Quantitation of Hepatitis B viral DNA for HBsAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B on antiviral therapy; one test only. | $152.10 | $114.10 | $129.30 (85%) |
| 69484Confirmatory testing for Hepatitis B surface antigen or Hepatitis C antibody using an alternative assay method when initial screening returns a reactive result. | $17.10 | $12.85 | $14.55 (85%) |
| 69488HCV RNA viral load testing in plasma or serum for treatment planning or monitoring efficacy in chronic hepatitis C patients. | $180.25 | $135.20 | $153.25 (85%) |
| 69489Pathology test performed by an authorised pathology practitioner, subject to referral and frequency restrictions. | $180.25 | $135.20 | $153.25 (85%) |
| 69491HCV genotype testing via nucleic acid amplification for HCV RNA positive patients being evaluated for antiviral therapy, limited to once per 12 months. | $204.80 | $153.60 | $174.10 (85%) |
| 69492Pathology test performed by an accredited pathology practitioner, limited to one test, subject to MBS rules 18 and 25. | $204.80 | $153.60 | $174.10 (85%) |
| 69494Laboratory detection of a virus, microbial antigen, or microbial nucleic acid not covered by other specific MBS items; limited to 1 test. | $28.65 | $21.50 | $24.40 (85%) |
| 69495Testing for chlamydia trachomatis and neisseria gonorrhoeae by nucleic acid amplification, once per 12 months for eligible patients, subject to specified clinical criteria. | $35.85 | $26.90 | $30.50 (85%) |
| 69496Three or more pathology tests from the 69494 item list, subject to MBS rules 6 and 26 regarding frequency and referral requirements. | $43.05 | $32.30 | $36.60 (85%) |
| 69497Non-initiating APP pathology test where referring APP has not previously rendered any tests from this item; subject to frequency and referral rules. | $28.65 | $21.50 | $24.40 (85%) |
| 69498Pathology test performed by an accredited pathology practitioner, maximum 2 tests per patient, subject to specific MBS rules regarding referrals and frequency limits. | $7.20 | $5.40 | $6.15 (85%) |
| 69499Hepatitis C viral RNA detection for seropositive patients, those with inconclusive serology, immunosuppressed patients, or suspected acute hepatitis C; limited to once per 12 months. | $92.20 | $69.15 | $78.40 (85%) |
| 69500A test performed by an accredited allied health professional who receives a referral, subject to practice rules 18 and 25 regarding referral requirements and frequency limitations. | $92.20 | $69.15 | $78.40 (85%) |
| 69505Whole genome sequencing of tuberculosis isolate to identify the organism species, detect antimicrobial resistance markers, and guide personalised treatment; available once at initial diagnosis and once per recurrence episode. | $150.00 | $112.50 | $127.50 (85%) |